Happy Children's Day!

Today, May 5th, is Children's Day, in Japan. As many of you go out and sip that sweet delicious Margarita Juice here in celebration of...Cinco De Mayo (not to be confused with Mexico's Independance day, which occured 50 years prior and is Sept 16th, but Dieciseis de Septiembre doesn't quite roll off the tongue)

So what IS Childrens Day, then? 

The day was originally called Tango no Sekku , and was celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th moon in the lunar calendar. After Japan switched to the Gregorian calendar, the date was moved to May 5. Until recently, Tango no sekku was known as Boys' Day  while Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri) was celebrated on March 3. In 1948, the government decreed this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude toward mothers. It was renamed Kodomo no Hi.

On this day, families raise the carp-shaped koinobori flags, with one carp for the father, one for the mother, and one carp for each child. Families also display a Kintarō doll usually riding on a large carp, and the traditional Japanese military helmet, kabuto, due to their tradition as symbols of strength and vitality.

Mochi rice cakes wrapped in kashiwa (oak) leaves—kashiwa-mochi (mochi filled with red bean jam) and chimaki (a kind of "sweet rice paste", wrapped in an iris or bamboo leaf)—are traditionally served on this day.

To celebrate this day here at Kome we are giving all children a sushi eraser along with a free soft serve cone. Be sure the child is of "eraser" age, i.e: they at least go to school or can manage a crayon free of getting it on the table.