Zakka 81: Children's day - Shobu and Sweets

I wrote about Children's day last 2 times, but let me explain once more for new visitor's :)

Children's Day is a Japanese holiday which takes place annually on May 5th, It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness.
But also known as "Tango no sekku", Families with young boys put up "Koi-nobori" (carp stream) in their yard and display dolls called "Musya ningyo" patterned after historical warriors and heroes to pray for their health and success in life.

On May 5, we put the Shobu (Japanese iris) leaves in hot bath and enjoy the fragrant Shobu-yu (iris hot-bath) because of the traditional belief that the iris bath is a miraculous prophylactic against all kinds of sickness.

Sumo wrestlers in Shobu-yu

In ancient times, iris leaves were also believed to have the mysterious power of extinguishing fire and for this reason, in rural areas today, people still observe the custom of putting iris leaves on the eaves of their houses on May 5 as a talisman against the possible outbreak of a fire or presence of evil spirits.

Now, Special day always comes with special food!!

Kashiwa-Mochi and Chimaki are one of the traditional sweets eaten on Children's day.

Kashiwa-mochi is a kind of steamed Mochi(sticky rice cake) made with Joshin-ko and Shiratama-ko wrapping sweet red bean paste inside. Each of them is then wrapped with Kashiwa (oak leaves).