KAPAI‘A — In the shadow of the Kapa‘ia swinging bridge, a flock of koinobori quietly flutters in the breeze. The koinobori, translated to mean carp streamers, are joined by other displays outside homes around Hawai‘i as May 5 draws closer.
KAPAI‘A — In the shadow of the Kapa‘ia swinging bridge, a flock of koinobori quietly flutters in the breeze.
The koinobori, translated to mean carp streamers, are joined by other displays outside homes around Hawai‘i as May 5 draws closer.
May 5 is celebrated as Children’s Day, or kodomo no hi, in Hawai‘i and the United States.
“Displaying koinobori is one of the customs of Kodomo no Hi,” said Laraine Moriguchi of Sign Art in a Kapa‘ia Foundation release. “The word ‘Koinobori’ consists of two words, ‘koi,’ a carp fish, and ‘nobori,’ or rising.”
Traditionally, the fifth day of the fifth month, labelled tango no sekku, was designated as Boys Day, a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and celebrate their happiness, Moriguchi said.
Families in the United States and Japan celebrate the traditions of Boys Day by displaying koinobori, flown outside of homes to wish sons in the family a good future.
The carp has become the symbol of Boys Day because the Japanese consider it the most spirited of fish — so full of energy and power that it is able to fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades, the JANM website states.
Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.
A traditional set of koinobori, or koi streamers, usually has three, or more fish. The large black koi represents the father, the red one represents the mother and the smaller ones represent the children in the family.
Koinobori was brought to Hawai‘i by the Japanese immigrants during the sugar plantation era when the Japanese were brought in to work on the plantations. The practice was adopted by the Hawai‘i lifestyle and continues with families flying koinobori in celebration of kodomo no hi.
People are invited to share in the celebration of children today when the Lihu‘e Hongwanji Preschool celebrates a free Kodomo no Hi fundraiser at the Lihu‘e Hongwanji site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organizers of the event invite the public on enjoy Japanese cultural demonstations such as mochi pounding, kendo, and taiko drumming.
The demonstrations will be punctuated with crafts and games for children, a silent auction, and a sale featuring baked goods, barazushi, nishime, shoyu chicken plate lunch, hot dogs, chili, and shave ice.
Proceeds will help the Lihu‘e Hongwanji Preschool, celebrating its 45th anniversary, continue its affordable option for early childhood education for Kaua‘i’s families.
“When the wind blows through Kapa‘ia Valley, imagine the koinobori swimming vigorously up the Hanama‘ulu River current, leaping over rocks and rapids,” Moriguchi said. “Like the koi, our hope is that children will grow up strong and courageous against adversity.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
