Boys' Festival

　　The fifth of May is traditionally known as Tango no Sekku. It's a day to pray for the healthy growth of boys. In households across Japan, parents display suits of armour and dolls modelled after legendary warriors, wishing that their sons will be strong. There are some other customs related to Tango no Sekku. You might see several "koinobori" carp-shaped streamers flapping in the breeze. Or, you might eat "kashiwamochi" rice cake, which is stuffed with sweet bean paste and wrapped in "kashiwa" oak leaves, and is steamed to give the "mochi" a nice leafy aroma.
　　To my regret, I didn't have any boys so I haven't celebrate this day, but I have put "shobu" sweet flags in the bath sometimes. It became a good toy for my daughters in the bath. When steeped in hot water, sweet flags give off a strong scent, and this is believed to have the power to ward off evil and prevent disease. The Japanese have always used seasonal plants as part of their lives in an attempt to harness the power of nature. Now, all my daughters have moved out, but I still put "shobu" in the bath, recalling their childhood.
　　By the way, an interesting wordplay of "shobu" exists, with the meaning of martial spirit and the "shobu" in the bath representing swords. The Japanese seem to love that kind of symbolism and wordplay. I'll post the link to pictures of "shobu".