May 5 is not just Cinco de Mayo (though I may be celebrating with a margarita), it’s also Boys Day. Traditionally, Boys Day was celebrated in Japan where families would hang koi (Japanese fish) kites called koinoburi outside of their homes – one koi kite per boy in the household.
Today, Boys Day has been expanded to be Children’s Day – though in Japan Boys Day is still celebrated on May 5th while Girls Day is celebrated on March 3.
Our house is full of boys so we carry on the Boys Day tradition of making and hanging koi kites outside of our house. We also love to eat mochi and make origami.
Here are some ideas to help you celebrate Boys Day with your family:
Fish Sammies for Boys Day from Susan Yuen
Photo from Susan Yuen
Boys Day Cupcakes from Just Jenn Recipes
Photo from Just Jenn Recipes
Easy Fish Origami from Origami-Make.com
Photo from Origami-Make.com
Koi Kite Craft from Origami ‘n Stuff 4 Kids
Photo from Origami 'n Stuff 4 Kids
Samurai Helmet Craft from Activity Village
Photo from Activity Village
Check out more ideas to celebrate Boys Day on my board on Pinterest.
And check out other ideas for Children’s Day.
This post was written by
Tracey Black is the founder and editor-in-chief for Don't Mess with Mama, the sassy mom's guide to parenting, green living and travel. She is a regular contributor to Redbook's Mamarama blog, and a social media strategist working with eco-friendly brands such as Stonyfield, Juice Beauty and others. She has three boys and lives in San Diego, Calif.
Fun ideas! Thanks for the reminder about Japanese Boy’s Day.
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Wow–I had no idea it was Children’s Day. Love the Fish Sammies idea!
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