May - Card of the Month

Japanese post card, c. 1960s-1970s; captioned on reverse—

"Tango-no Sekku," Boy's Festival (Children's Day) – May 5

At homes which have a boy or boys in the families, cloth or paper carp are flown on a pole set up temporarily in the garden. Inside of the houses, doll representing various traditional heroes are displayed wishing boys' health. After the World War II, this day was established as "Children's Day" for congratulating every child in Japan on their healthy growth.

Today happens to be the first day since March 11 that workers were to attempt entering here. One can only hope for health for all in Japan and—well, everywhere—considering potential global consequences.

As to the traditional "Boys' Day": a different take, from Mayumi Oda:

Girls Kite, Carp; silkscreen, 1983