clipped from: multiculturalcalendar.com   
Multicultural Calendar
  May  2008
Kodomo No Hi
Boy's Day honours young boys. Kites in the shape of brightly coloured carps are flown, carps being a symbol of longevity and strength.
Kodomo No Hi
Japan
clipped from: en.wikipedia.org   
Koinobori (The large carp at the top represents the father, the second carp represents the mother, and the third carp represents their children.)
Koinobori (The large carp at the top represents the father, the second carp represents the mother, and the third carp represents their children.)

Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日; meaning "Children's Day") is a Japanese national holiday which takes place annually on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month, and is part of the Golden Week. It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was designated a National holiday by the Japanese government in 1948.

Before this day, families raise the carp-shaped koinobori flags, one for each boy (or child), display a Kintarō doll usually riding on a large carp, and the traditional Japanese military helmet, kabuto. Kintarō and the kabuto are symbols of a strong and healthy boy.