AIn ancient times, the first Zodiac Horse days of each month were called “Tango”. Eventually, “Tango” came to be limited to the fifth day of the fifth month as an important festival to pray for good health. “Tango-no Sekku” is also called "Shobu-no-Sekku" (festival of the iris), since the events were held using irises, which are said to have the power to ward off evil spirits. In the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the word "iris", pronounced “Shobu”, was associated with the word "Shobu" (warrior), and the event became an occasion to wish for the good fortune, growth, and success in life of boys. In the Edo period (1603-1867), it became a solemn ceremony for boys and was celebrated with great pomp.