Recently I’ve noticed a large number of flags that look sort of like fish flying above many Japanese homes. What kind of fish are they? Do these fish carry any special significance to the Japanese people?
— Daryl Whitman
The fish-shaped banners that you saw are traditional flags called koinobori, which are quite common during this part of the year because of the holiday Kodomo-no-Hi or Children’s Day. Kodomo-no-Hi, which falls on May 5, was originally known as “Boy’s Day” (the holiday counterpart of Hina Matsuri, or Girl’s Day). Every year during this holiday, which is a part of the string of Japanese holidays called “Golden Week,” effigies of carp, (known as koi in Japanese) are raised because the fish represent courage and perseverance in the face of hardship. During ancient times, it was thought that flying these emblems would bring health and prosperity to sons, and the child would grow up to be strong and filled with resolve like the carp.
Many Japanese believe that the main reason koi are so special is because of an ancient Chinese legend about a carp. The folktale is about a hardy fish that overcame strong currents and completed a long, arduous journey upstream. After it conquered the many rapids and waterfalls of the Yellow River and made its final leap over the Dragon Gate at the river’s head, it was rewarded for its perseverance by being transformed into a dragon. The popularity of this folktale caused the fish to be a symbol of strength and success.
While dragon sightings are few and far between, carp are quite prevalent in the temperate and subtropical freshwater rivers of Asia and Europe. Koi grow up to three feet in length and are considered an important food source in Japan, so much so that it has long been praised as the “king of river fish,” and is considered an auspicious dish served at special occasions.
In addition to being a source of food, carp are also kept as ornamentation for gardens and as pets in Japan. These koi are specially bred for their coloration and size, and many are known as living gems. There are over 20 species of these finned jewels; the most popular is the Nishikigoi which are bright red, white, and black. Many species of koi are popular among fish aficionados and collectors throughout the world— sometimes being bought and sold for the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars.
Because koi grow so large, they are often kept in artificial ponds—many of which decorate the gardens of the wealthy. These ponds, called ike, are usually as beautiful as they are elaborate. They are often over two feet deep, hold over 500 gallons of meticulously filtered water, are always equipped with an extensive plumbing system, and are landscaped with stone and small bridges for fish observation.
It goes without saying that keeping carp as pets can be a bit more expensive than a Siamese kitten or a Doberman. However, many consider the fish quite loveable, and neither dogs, nor cats are as instrumental in a national holiday. And, while there aren’t any professional baseball teams in Japan called the cats or dogs, there is a team called the Hiroshima Carp.
Many Japanese believe that the main reason koi are so special is because of an ancient Chinese legend about a carp. The folktale is about a hardy fish that overcame strong currents and completed a long, arduous journey upstream. After it conquered the many rapids and waterfalls of the Yellow River and made its final leap over the Dragon Gate at the river’s head, it was rewarded for its perseverance by being transformed into a dragon. The popularity of this folktale caused the fish to be a symbol of strength and success.
While dragon sightings are few and far between, carp are quite prevalent in the temperate and subtropical freshwater rivers of Asia and Europe. Koi grow up to three feet in length and are considered an important food source in Japan, so much so that it has long been praised as the “king of river fish,” and is considered an auspicious dish served at special occasions.
In addition to being a source of food, carp are also kept as ornamentation for gardens and as pets in Japan. These koi are specially bred for their coloration and size, and many are known as living gems. There are over 20 species of these finned jewels; the most popular is the Nishikigoi which are bright red, white, and black. Many species of koi are popular among fish aficionados and collectors throughout the world— sometimes being bought and sold for the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars.
Because koi grow so large, they are often kept in artificial ponds—many of which decorate the gardens of the wealthy. These ponds, called ike, are usually as beautiful as they are elaborate. They are often over two feet deep, hold over 500 gallons of meticulously filtered water, are always equipped with an extensive plumbing system, and are landscaped with stone and small bridges for fish observation.
It goes without saying that keeping carp as pets can be a bit more expensive than a Siamese kitten or a Doberman. However, many consider the fish quite loveable, and neither dogs, nor cats are as instrumental in a national holiday. And, while there aren’t any professional baseball teams in Japan called the cats or dogs, there is a team called the Hiroshima Carp.
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