The Way of Nature

Today i was surprised by a flock of birds chirping noisily as i had my morning tea alone.   I looked out into the garden and saw about 10 little birds flying back and forth from one tree in my garden to various spots around it.   They seemed to be eating something, so i watched closely.  

The birds came back and forth the "yuzu" tree, not a very tall tree, as i cut the top regularly so it only grows up to my shoulder.  It has been a good tree, bearing about 6 to 10 yuzu fruit every winter. 

   

I remember more than two weeks ago i noticed a few butterflies flying around it and earlier this week i was worried when i saw some young leaves eaten.  I contemplated about picking those caterpillars, not quite sure if i have the gut (nor the heart) to kill them as much as i am scared even to touch them.    I could have asked my daughter who is never scared of any insects, but i know she would say no to killing her favorite insects.

Now i was somewhat relieved to see the birds feeding on the caterpillars and some of the larvae. After all the nature works so wonderfully around us that we sometimes should take our hands off and just watch the wonder of God's creation.   

As i am typing this, i can hear the chirping noise quiet down.   They had finished lunch, i guess.   Now it is time for mine....

Children's Day May 5th - For Boys? or Both?

In Japan Children's Day celebrated on May 5th is a celebration not only for children but also for a meaningful day for mothers.   Since 1948 the Japanese Government dedicated May 5th as a national holiday - a day to celebrate children - to appreciate the well being of children and a greetings for the children with appreciation to their mothers.   However, the Japanese people in general follow international calendar (May 10th) when celebrating Mother's Day.

The celeberation of Children's Day has been around in Japan since early 1900, during the Taisei Period (1912).  In the past Children's Day was mainly a celebration for the boys - originally it was a celebration to wish health for boys. Meanwhile, girls has their during the Hinamatsuri Festival.   However since the Hinamatsuri Day on March 3rd was not announced as a national holiday, while May 5th was dedicated as a national holiday, at some point in time people started to argue that there was a discrimination between boys and girls.    In the last few decades, the culture of celebrating only boys on May 5th has gradually changed.   Practically boys and girls enjoy May 5th the same way at home and anywhere else, such as they can both get into the national zoo, national museum and other public facilities for free on that day.

The most common way of celebrating children's day are to place a decoration called "Koi-nobori".   In the past families with boys put up "Koi-nobori" or carp streamers, in their garden and a display of dolls called gogatsu ningyo (the same way families of girls display Hina dolls during Hinamatsuri Festival) in a room of the house.   Nowadays, families with children put up "koi-nobori" regardless of their children's gender.  The meaning of "koi-nobori" display " the carp appear to be swimming vigorously against the current" is to symbolize how boys should face and overcome their difficulties with the same positive spirit.   

Gogatsu ningyo or dolls for boys celebration usually contains a set of samurai armour, a kabuto (samurai's helmet), a taiko (big drum) and other things needed to fight an old style battle.  This decoration also symbolizes that boys should be strong to face any difficulties with the necessary equipments.   Families with girls do not display gogatsu ningyo, instead they put up "koi-nobori" which has similar meanings.

For the first time ever, on May 4th 2009 (US Time) US Secretary of State made a statement on Japanese Children's Day, May 5th.

It is my pleasure to offer warm wishes to boys and girls in Japan on the May 5 occasion of Children’s Day. On this holiday, Japanese families celebrate the joys of childhood and family life. Children are, indeed, a national treasure, and both the United States and Japan share a strong commitment to childhood health, safety, and education. It is a responsibility for all of us to work together to ensure the protection of children. It is our hope that one day children from all countries will be able to celebrate the carefree joys that children in Japan celebrate today.

The Golden Week

Every year in early May, Japanese have about a week of public holiday called the Golden week.   The publich holiday itself occurs on April 29th which is the Showa Day, then May 3 which is the Foundation Day, May 4th which is the Green (Environment) Day and May 5th which is the Children Day.   Like this year, when May 3rd public holiday falls on a Sunday, the government added May 6th as a replacement holiday.   In most cases these consecutive public holidays together with a weekend creates just about a week holiday, that way the Japanese get to take longer holiday.  

Most factories and offices closes for a week, usually starting from April 29th to May 4th.   Foreign visitors who visit Japan should avoid this week, unless prior arrangements for hotels and travels have been made earlier on.    The Golden Week period is usually the busiest time of the year for local Japanese.   Some will travel back home to their home town, many of which are located in outskirt villages and for those living in the villages to travel to the city.   Others will travel overseas.　Places to avoid during Golden week when you visit Japan are the Express Highway (See Both Photos - normal days vs. golden week), major stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebuburo, Ueno, the domestic airport and to some extent international airport.

Other than that, as the name says, it is indeed a "golden" week opportunity for those working people - who rarely have a chance to take holidays, as they can take a holiday with the whole family.   Children's schools are close during the same period allowing them to go with their parents for a holiday.