Hagoita Ichi in Asakusa, Tokyo
Hagoita Ichi is held in Sensoji Temple from December 17th to 19th.
You can see many colorful and decorative Hagoita in the fair.
By the way,
do you know what Hagoita is?
Hagoita is Japanese traditional wooden racket.
It is originated from a Japanese tradition,
where girls would play the badminton-like game called HANETSUKI during New Year.
You hit a shuttlecock called "Hane" with Hagoita.
Hane resembles the dragonfly which eats mosquitoes.
As Hane indicates the mosquitoes,
Hagoita have the meaning of protection for the baby from something bad.
In Hagoita Ichi,
you will be surprised how various they are in size.
They represent a girl's growth, and also symbolize the health and safety.
Some celebrities such as sumo wrestler and athlete are used in the Hagoita design.
This shows admiration for people that have been successful during the year.
Some people put Hagoita at the front door to ward off the evil.
But now, most Japanese just use it as a decoration.
How about putting a Hagoita as the ornament in your room?