Evening star., 1924-07-17
FEAST OF BOYHOOD
BIG EVENT IN JAPAN
Young Prince, Who Repelled the
Moguls, Is Patron
Day.
From the Japan Advertiser.


The other day great paper carp
floated from tall bamboo masts over
the homes of many Japanese, espe-
cially in those sections farthest from
the partly westernized ports and
cities, warrior dolls were displayed,
young men went to the bath wearin 6
a wreath Of spear-like leaves of the
iris about their heads and in other
ways Japan celebrated the Tango no.
Sekku. or the Feast of Boyhood.
The fifth day of the fifth month is
the day set aside for the boys of
Japan. just as the third day Of the
Festival of Dolls is the day belong
ing especially to all girls. Modern
times have shorn the day. of many
of its customs and much of it's tradi-
tional luster, but IL is still observed
with full rites in many sections of the
empire and, in part, even in the city
of Toxic.
When the Mongal forces attacked
the shores of Japan in the reign of
the Emporer konin, or TO A. D., the
emporer called one Of his sons, Prince
Sagara, to him and ordered him to
repel the invader. The prince set
out for the island of Kyushu, pausing
to worship at the Fujinomori shrine
and pray for victory. The shrine of
Fujinomori is at Xii in the province
of Yamota, and is dedicated to the
spirit of Prince Toneri
The Kami kaze.
1t was May that Prince Sagara
took the field against the Mongol
army. A providential tempest,
known as kami kaZe, arose sud-
denly as hostilities opened, and many
OF the enemy's boats were destroyed
t. e-x@ 1oh
May was chosen as a feast for all
boys.
The iris is indispensable for the
occasion, since the leaf is like the
blade of sword. Large paper carp
filing and rounding them out. The
carp which makes it's way upstream
against rapids and finally springs
over the waterfall, is emblematical
of the endeavor that young boys
culties. The wooden sword used on
this day is called shobu katana, or
the sword of the iris.
In ancient times these shobu kata-
ma were used as missiles between
two groups of boys, one group on
either bank of some stream or river.
Pennants bearing the image of
Shoki, a brave warrior OF China, are
hoisted in the courtyards of many
rural homes. Dolls in the image of
l. n
to have lived three hundred years.
serving under five emperors; OF
Kusunoki Masahige, a famous 10y
alist, and of Kato Kiyomasa, the
trusted marshal of Hideyoshi, who
commanded the japanese troops in
vading Korea, are most frequently
placed on the altar.
A Chinese Liquid.
Blades Of the iris are thrown into
the bath on May 3. 1t is believed
that the herb will quell all disease.
The more superstitious curl the sharp
edged leaves about their heads while
bathing, so that headache may be
dispelled. Chimaki, sweetened rice
dumpling, is eaten by all. while iris
sake is indispensable to the ceie,
brants. Minced iris leaves are mixed
with the sake to produce the drink
desired. The samurai of old Yeoo
are reported to have especially hked
this iris sake, which Is still cherlsneo
In ancient China, the poet Kutsu-
gen (Hsui sYuan), drowned hlmsell
on Nav S, in the River Bekira
(Hawai-la). The local magistrate
missing the poet, offered prize TO
the one who could find his body, but
none of the many seekers was sue
cessfuI Because KutSugen was fono
of chimaki, the magistrate threw the
dumping into the water to consoie
his spirit. From the incident orig1-.
mated the dragon boat festival o!
China, and from it chimaki spreao
to Japan.