In Japan , May is Called "Satsuki". Satsuki is the contraction of Sanaezuki. Sanae means "rice sprouts". It also is "Azalea Month", the month in which satsuki, azaleas are in full bloom.            May in Japan is a month of splendid weather and fresh, green foliage. As there are few rainy days, the weather of this month is called satukibare (Sunny days of May). Many schools have excursions and athletic meetings.

           May the 1st is May Day. On this day in many parts of Japan workers hold meetings and festivals.

           May the 3rd is the Constitution Day, the 4th is a nationwide vacation day and May the 5th is Children's Day, which makes three consecutive holidays.

           Since national holidays are strung together from Greenery Day (April 29th) through Children's Day, this period is called "Golden Week" and people enjoy the holidays taking trips together with friends or families, going on the beach and clam (a kind of popular sea food) gathering at low tide or participating in sports. So many people stream out of the city that resorts and roads are packed. Golden week, along with the New Year holiday and summer vacation (in August) is a time when people travel to foreign countries.

           Children's Day was formerly called Tango no Sekku, a day to celebrate the growth of boys. Today, Children's day is a day to celebrate the growth of both boy and girl children. Even then, families with boys hoist koinobori, Carp streamers. They put them up on the balcony of their apartment houses. Toward Boy's Day gogatsu ningyo, warrior dolls and kabuto, warriors' helmets are displayed at home in the hope that the boys will grow as strong and healthy as warriors. But recently only kabuto are displayed because city houses and apartments have limited space.

           Also, some people still observe the customs of taking a bath with iris leaves. The sento (public bath houses) prepare iris baths and children are admitted free. An iris leaf bath is prepared because it is believed to drive away evil spirits.

           The second Sunday of May is Mother's Day. People give their mothers red carnations and presents to express their gratitude.

           May is the season for newly harvested tea. People specially prize green tea made from new tea leaves picked around Hachijuhachiya (the 88th day after the beginning of Spring) because of its flavor and fragrance.