May 5th is the Children’s Day in Japan, but in the past it was set aside for boys only. To celebrate this special day, parents with boys in the family fly carp streamers from a high pole set on their premise. Carps are chosen for this occasion because of its energy and power to fight its way up the rapid streams and even climb up the waterfalls.

Inside their homes, parents will display warrior dolls with a miniature suit of armor and helmet on a tiered stand for this day, praying for the healthy growth of their boys.

May is also the the month when irises come into bloom. Its long, narrow leaves resemble the sharp blade of a sword, and it has been the custom to place irises leaves in a boy’s bath to give him the martial spirit.

If you have a boy in your family, maybe a warrior helmet will make a nice home decor for this season.