Posted by Jess

5 May 2011

We're catching up on a few posts as we've been MIA for the past two weeks, enjoying some time as a family and together just the two of us.

The 5^th marks another monthly anniversary of our time in Japan.  And even though we’ve been in and out of the country a bit these past few weeks, I think it counts!  Jason and I have been on a vacation this week – it was planned as a family vacation for the Golden Week holidays.  So for this month’s post, I think I’ll write a little about each holiday in the past week.

Friday April 29^th was Showa Day.  This honors birthday the Showa Emperor Hirohito who reigned from 1923-1989.  Not an easy time to be emperor for sure!  The day is meant to reflect on this important time in Japan's history and all that the country went through in those 60 years.

Tuesday May 3^rd was Constitution Day.  The name tells is all.  The Constitution of Japan was effective as of May 3rd, 1947.  On this day, the Japanese reflect on the meaning of democracy and government.  Here is the 'preamble' to Japan's constitution.  You can tell it was written right after 50 years of war for the Japanese people. 

"We, the Japanese people...determined that we shall secure for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation with all nations and the blessings of liberty throughout this land, and resolved that never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government, do proclaim that sovereign power resides with the people and do firmly establish this Constitution. Government is a sacred trust of the people, the authority for which is derived from the people, the powers of which are exercised by the representatives of the people, and the benefits of which are enjoyed by the people... 

Wednesday May 4^th was Greenery Day.  This was originally celebrated on April 29th during the Showa Emperor's reign.  He had a love for nature and plants and so on his birthday, nature was celebrated with Greenery Day.  When he died and the new emperor took the throne in 1989, his birthday was made a holiday on the 29th and Greenery Day was moved to May 4th. 

Thursday, May 5^th is Children’s Day.  This day was to celebrate boys historically and has been celebrated by Asian cultures for over 1400 years.  It was set as the 5th Day of the 5th Lunar month of the year, which correlated to the beginning of the rainy season as well.  When the Gregorian calendar was adopted in Japan it was moved to May.  In 1948 it was changed from just celebrating male children to celebrating all children and wishing them happiness.  It can include rituals to drive out evil spirits, similar to Girls Day (in March) and includes small gifts and sweets for children as well.  

I’m sure after looking at the days above you can see why it’s called Golden Week!  Many people travel during this week, just like we did.  The airport on Friday night was busier than I’ve ever seen it (and I’m there a lot!).  There aren't many festivals or parades going on during these days that we know of, but we weren't here so it's hard to say for sure.

It was nice to have a week away and only take 2 days off from work.  Jason and I enjoyed our holiday and will have a few posts about the trip as well.  It was a different adventure without the girls and while we missed them a ton, we made the most of a few days in paradise.

Kanpai!

Jess