Saiki Childrens Day 2020

15th May - 31st May 2020

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum offers local children a glimpse into the lives of their peers in Japan through a variety of hands-on craft activities at this annual event.

Children’s Day is celebrated in Japan on 5 May. It has been a national holiday since 1948, but it has been a day of celebration in Japan since ancient times, when it was a festival for boys called Tango no Sekku.

Families celebrate the happiness and health of children by flying colourful carp-shaped streamers (Koinobori) and by decorating their homes with display dolls of famous warriors and samurai armour (yoroi) and helmets (kabuto). Special foods are also eaten, such as sticky rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves and filled with sweet bean paste (kashiwamochi), and sticky sweet rice wrapped in an iris or bamboo leaf (chimaki).’

information for schools

Due to the COVID-19 health emergency The Gallery & Museum have sadly had to cancel the major schools events this year but are pleased to deliver an online activities guide for children to enjoy.

A limited number of activity resource kits have also been compiled, which can be delivered to schools on request while supplies last. Please email gragm@gladstone.qld.gov.au to request a kit.

A Gladstone Saiki Sister City Advisory Committee initiative, modelled on Japan’s centuries old annual Children’s Day.

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