What are the traditional Japanese festivals in May and June?

May 4th-National Day of Rest

May 5-Children's Day (Dragon Boat Festival)

Children's Day in Japan is on May 5th of the Golden Week. Traditionally known as Boys' Day, it is a festival specially set up for boys to pray for healthy growth and future career success. Customs such as inserting carp flags, wearing dolls by samurai, eating zongzi and cypress cakes are very popular in Japan. In ancient times, May was considered as the worst month of the year, and the fifth day of May was even more unlucky. Dragon Boat Festival was originally a purification ceremony to drive away evil spirits and filth. On this day, the Japanese also have the custom of taking a hot bath in a basin soaked with calamus (a plant). Traditionally, this kind of leaf has curative effect and can drive away evil spirits.

Pots and pans festival has two days off, because things will be cheaper because of the festival. The "pot" in August is an annual day to greet and comfort ancestors. It is said that the souls of ancestors will go home on this day. Traditionally, the "basin" is commemorated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. At present, some people are engaged in related activities from July 13 to June 15, while others are engaged in related activities from August 13 to June 15. 13 On this day, people lit bonfires to welcome the spirits of their ancestors. 16 On this day, people lit a farewell fire and sent back the spirits of their ancestors. During the "basin" period, many companies and shops have holidays, because people who work in different places have to take their wives and children back. Like the Golden Week, the traffic will be very heavy at this time.