Can you guess what are the five colors of the “fukiage” that is attached to the top of the carp streamer?(fukinagashi)
Children’s Day (national holiday; May 5th)Boy’s Day celebration (May 5th)
One of the outer decorations for Dragon Boat Festival, made of long, thin cloth in five colors (blue, red, yellow, white, and black) attached in a circular or arc shape. It is attached to the top of a carp streamer. Originally a flag to see the flow and strength of the wind, it has also been used as an amulet to ward off evil spirits since ancient times. It is said that the “Nobori-nobori,” which was displayed by samurai families on Dragon Boat Festival, changed and became a fuki nagashi. The five colors of the streamers are based on the ancient Chinese theory of “yin-yang and the five elements,” and are believed to represent the seasons and ward off evil spirits.
