Hi Lynn..welcome back. Seems like you had a great time in Tarpin Springs >>> AND brought back that beautiful 'little guy'!! I just love the colors and the finish on him. I can't believe he's 99 yrs old. He's in fabulous condition. You're right about the Chinese & Japanese Celebrating the little boy riding on a carp. The festival originated in China. The Japanese then associated it with May rice planting, when insects begin to appear and harm the rice plants. Farmers would frighten away the insects with bright banners. These banners eventually took the form of the carp, the boldest and noblest of the fish. It became a festival known as Otoko no Sekku", otherwise known as Boys' Day. Celebrated on May 5th - (the 5th day of the 5th month). Families with newborn sons fly beautiful multi-colored carp windsocks outside their homes, wishing their sons a good future. The carp is the symbol of courage, virility and strength. They hope their sons grow up in the same way - brave, strong and successful. They also display warrior dolls, on tiered shelves which were meant to teach young boys manliness as well as keep them away from evil. I worked in an International Montessori School, in New York, and we had many Japanese students there. The mothers would come in to celebrate that day with us. They would bring in traditional foods and these Magnificant Warrier Dolls. We would always make those kites, and make oragami warrior dolls. Over the years, I received many of those beautiful dolls, like you show, as gifts, for both Boys & Girls' Day. As far as what to do with your 'little guy'... If you mean in a tablesetting as a centerpiece?? I would just use very soft colors as accents (pale blue) perhaps, on the table. You seem to have some lovely dishes already that would compliment him nicely. I think he should be the 'Center' of attention. Congratulations on your purchase... He's beautiful!! jane

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