Introduction
Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), celebrated annually on May 5th, is an important day in Japan dedicated to praying for the growth and health of children. Originally known as a festival for boys and deeply connected to samurai culture, it has evolved into Children’s Day (こどもの日), where the well-being of all children is celebrated. This festival has deep historical roots, influenced by ancient Chinese traditions, particularly those associated with disease prevention, which developed uniquely within Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore the origins of Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), the differences in customs between Japan and Taiwan, and its connection to the Qing Dynasty in China.
Origins of Tango no Sekku (端午の節句)
The origins of Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) can be traced back to ancient China’s Duanwu Festival (端午節). The fifth month of the lunar calendar was considered a time when diseases would spread easily, feared as the “Month of a Hundred Poisons” (百毒月). Particularly on the fifth day of the fifth month, rituals were performed to ward off misfortune. Historical texts from the Qing Dynasty record traditions such as hanging calamus (菖蒲) and mugwort (よもぎ) on doorways, wearing talismans made from five-colored threads, and taking purifying orchid baths (蘭湯浴). These practices aimed to promote health and ward off disease, and the custom of eating zongzi (粽) (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) also originated from this context.
Duanwu Festival (端午節) in the Qing Dynasty: From Ritual to Celebration
Over time, Duanwu Festival (端午節) evolved from solemn rituals into more celebratory events. During the Tang and Song Dynasties in China, entertainment elements such as dragon boat races (龍舟競漕) were incorporated into the festival. The Qing Dynasty continued these traditions, blending them with Manchu influences. There are records of the emperor watching dragon boat races, symbolizing the connection between the imperial family and the people, while also emphasizing the importance of disease prevention. Duanwu Festival (端午節) in the Qing era became a grand celebration, representing not only a way to ward off disease but also an expression of imperial benevolence and national stability.
Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) in Taiwan
Taiwan, often referred to as “Kun Island (鯤島)” due to its resemblance to a legendary giant fish, has developed its own unique customs for Duanwu Festival (端午節). Since the Three Kingdoms period, people from mainland China migrated to Taiwan, bringing traditional Han Chinese culture with them. By the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan had developed its distinctive celebration of Duanwu (端午節), influenced by its humid climate, which placed special emphasis on disease prevention. In addition to common customs like dragon boat races (龍舟競漕) and zongzi (粽, chimaki), Taiwan integrated its local culture into the festival, reflecting its unique identity.
The legends surrounding Kun Island (鯤島) and the specific practices of Duanwu Festival (端午節) in Taiwan are detailed in Qing Dynasty documents, highlighting the island’s distinctive cultural significance. These records underscore the importance of the festival in Taiwan and its unique evolution.
Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) in Japan
Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) was introduced to Japan during the Nara period and became part of court ceremonies by the Heian period. By the Edo period, samurai values became central, and the festival evolved into an event that prayed for the strength and growth of boys. Symbols such as Koinobori (鯉のぼり), Kabuto (兜), Warrior Dolls (武者人形), and calamus (菖蒲) became associated with the festival.
- Koinobori (鯉のぼり)
Carp, which symbolize strength and success, are hoisted to represent boys growing into strong and prosperous individuals. The black carp represents the father, the red carp the mother, and the blue carp the children. - Kabuto (兜) and Warrior Dolls (武者人形)
Representing the samurai spirit, kabuto and warrior dolls modeled after historical heroes are displayed to wish for boys’ strength and bravery. - Calamus (菖蒲) and mugwort (よもぎ)
Calamus (菖蒲, Shobu), which sounds like “尚武 (shobu, martial spirit), is hung on doorways as a charm against evil, and taking calamus bath (菖蒲湯) is believed to bring health and longevity. - Kashiwa Mochi (柏餅)
A sweet made from rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves, symbolizing prosperity, as oak leaves do not fall until new buds appear. - Chimaki (粽)
This tradition, borrowed from China, involves eating rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves to ward off evil and pray for the family’s health.
Modern Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) in Japan
In 1948, the Japanese government designated May 5th as Children’s Day (こどもの日), extending the celebration beyond boys to include all children, focusing on their happiness and well-being. Despite this change, many traditional symbols and customs of Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) remain prominent today, reflecting the festival’s rich heritage.
Conclusion
Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), with its connections to the Duanwu Festival (端午節) in China and Taiwan, is a traditional Japanese celebration that has endured through the ages. As families raise Koinobori (鯉のぼり) in the wind and the fragrance of calamus (菖蒲) fills the air, they gather to pray for their children’s growth, health, and happiness. This ancient festival, continuing across generations, strengthens familial bonds and brightens the future for the next generation, making it a cherished occasion in Japan.
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