Koi no Bori

Its that time of year again, when the days get longer with gorgeous sunshine, birds chirping again, all creatures come out of their holes and get busy..
I love Spring.

Well, I love all the seasons really, but in Winter I get melancholy..- but thats another story.

I love opening the windows and letting the breeze in, seeing the bees buzzing again and the little snow drops and primroses blooming..

Our time in other countries and Japan means that we now have a curious mix of family traditions, including hanging the Koi no Bori. It is a pole or string with colourful flags in the shape of koi carp. In Japan they are many meters long and tall, and a glistening windmill at the top.

Ours is a little more modest. We just have the black "Grandfather", a blue little "Son" and a tiny pink "Grandson". Because thats what they represent, the family tree. The traditions and family values that are being passed on.
The celebration is called "Kodomo no Hi" (= childrens day).

But to me the Koi no Bori represents Spring, the ever repeating cycle of regrowth starting again..
Happy Spring to you!