Fig. [288].—Draw this pattern on the fence.
Fig. [289].—Signs for gate-posts.
Put up the fence by slipping the upper tongues on each end through the slit on the outside front edge of each room, then sliding the lower tongues of the fence through the lower outside edges of rooms and porches ([Fig. 282]).
Both boys and girls have fine times in Japan, and they are as happy as the day is long. On the fifth day of the fifth month the boys reign supreme, and their relatives and friends vie with each other in their endeavors to render the day a happy one for the little fellows. All Japan is alive and anxious to celebrate the occasion. Quaint flags in the shape of enormous fish swim in the air and float over the towns, forming bright masses of color. Every home that is blessed with one or more boys displays a fish banner for each son, the younger the child the larger the fish, and the proudest house is the one that can boast of the greatest number of fish flying from its bamboo pole. Every Japanese boy's birthday is celebrated on this day with great rejoicing, no matter at what time of the year he was born.
| Fig. [290].—Upper half of koi. | Fig. [291].—Under half of koi. | Fig. [292].—The koi—emblem of undaunted determination. |
Fig. [293].—Boy's birthday pole.
Make