Children's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but in Japan, it takes place every year on May 5th. Known as "Kodomo no Hi" in Japanese, it is a national holiday that honors the health, happiness, and growth of children. The day is marked by colorful traditions such as flying carp-shaped windsocks called koinobori, and families often display samurai dolls to symbolize strength and courage. This lesson will focus on how to talk about the celebration of Children’s Day in Japan, its cultural significance, and similar holidays in other countries.
Grammar Focus:
Present Simple:
- To describe facts and traditions that happen regularly.
- Example: Children's Day happens on May 5th in Japan.
Present Continuous:
- To describe current celebrations or ongoing activities.
- Example: People are flying koinobori to celebrate Children's Day.
Future with ‘Will’ and ‘Going to’:
- To talk about future plans for the celebration.
- Example: We are going to visit a park to see the Children’s Day decorations.
Vocabulary:
Children's Day Terms:
- Children's Day
- Kodomo no Hi
- Carp streamers (koinobori)
- Samurai dolls
- Tradition
- Celebration
- Festival
- Courage
- Strength
Celebration Words:
- Holiday
- Parade
- Family gathering
- Gift-giving
- Decorations
- Picnic
- Symbolism
- Public holiday
Japanese Culture Terms:
- Samurai
- Warrior
- Courage
- Strength
- Carp (koi)
- Happiness
- Health
Useful Expressions:
Talking about Children’s Day:
- Children’s Day in Japan is celebrated on May 5th.
- Families in Japan fly koinobori to symbolize strength and courage for their children.
- On Children’s Day, people honor the health and happiness of children.
Asking about celebrations:
- How do people celebrate Children’s Day in Japan?
- What do families do to celebrate Children’s Day?
- Are there any special traditions for Children’s Day?
Describing the holiday:
- Children's Day is a national holiday dedicated to children’s well-being.
- The colorful koinobori represent fish swimming upstream, symbolizing perseverance.
- Families display samurai dolls to wish strength and bravery for their children.
Sentences:
Present Simple for describing facts:
- Children’s Day is celebrated on May 5th in Japan.
- Families in Japan hang carp-shaped windsocks to represent their children.
Present Continuous for describing current celebrations:
- People are flying koinobori to celebrate Children’s Day.
- Families are preparing special meals to enjoy on this day.
Future with ‘Going to’ for plans:
- We are going to watch the Children’s Day parade next year.
- They are going to decorate their house with samurai dolls.
Questions and Answers:
Q: When is Children's Day in Japan?
A: It is on May 5th every year.Q: What do people do on Children's Day in Japan?
A: They celebrate by flying carp-shaped windsocks called koinobori and displaying samurai dolls.Q: Why is May 5th important in Japan?
A: It’s Children’s Day, a holiday that celebrates the health and happiness of children.Q: How does your family celebrate Children’s Day?
A: We usually hang koinobori outside our house and have a special family meal.Q: Are you going to celebrate Children’s Day this year?
A: Yes, we’re going to visit a park and watch the celebrations.
Conversation:
Situation: Discussing Children’s Day in Japan with a friend
A: Hey, do you know when Children's Day is in Japan?
B: Yes, it's on May 5th. It's a special day to celebrate children's health and happiness.
A: That sounds interesting! What do people usually do?
B: Families fly these cool carp-shaped windsocks called koinobori. They represent strength and courage.
A: Why carp?
B: The carp symbolizes perseverance because they swim upstream, and that’s a quality people wish for their children.
A: That’s a great tradition. Do they do anything else?
B: Yes, they also display samurai dolls to wish strength for the boys in the family.
A: I’d love to see that one day! It sounds like a beautiful celebration.
Reading:
Children’s Day: A Special Holiday in Japan
In Japan, May 5th is known as Children’s Day, or "Kodomo no Hi." It is a national holiday dedicated to celebrating the health, happiness, and well-being of children. The holiday is part of the larger Golden Week, a series of holidays in Japan, and is an important day for families to gather and celebrate.
One of the most iconic symbols of Children’s Day is the koinobori—colorful, carp-shaped streamers that families hang outside their homes. The carp is chosen because it is a fish that swims upstream, symbolizing strength, determination, and perseverance, qualities that parents wish for their children. These streamers are flown for each child in the family, with a large black carp for the father, a red one for the mother, and smaller carp for each child.
In addition to the koinobori, many families display samurai dolls and helmets inside their homes. These items represent bravery and protection and are meant to encourage boys to grow up strong and courageous like ancient samurai warriors. Traditional Japanese foods such as rice cakes (mochi) and sweets are also enjoyed during the celebrations.
Children’s Day is not only a time to celebrate kids, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of raising strong, healthy, and happy children. The holiday reflects Japan’s deep cultural values and its commitment to the future of its younger generation.
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