Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 43.djvu/344

330 of its brother or sister (usually the latter) and to go about with them during-the greater part of the day, and from that time spend at least half the day in the open air. As soon as the child is old enough and strong enough to run about, a small doll-like bundle is strapped to its back, the weight of which is frequently increased as the child grows stronger; so, by the time the next arrival in the family has put in an appearance, a well-broken and docile little human "pack-horse" will be found ready for him. The newcomer is put through a similar course of training in due time; and so on, and so on—but let us trust not ad infinitum!

The relations between parents and children are entirely natural, free, and unrestrained. The truths of life and Nature are unfolded to them as soon as the children are old enough to inquire about them. Nothing is left for them to learn from outside sources. The result of this perfect candor, so far from developing any undue precocity in the children, serves to preserve that indefinable, unconscious grace, so beautiful in childhood, which, by the secret acquisition of some hidden knowledge, is so apt to be replaced by that glance of definable conscious disgrace seen in the faces of so many prematurely "old" children of the Occident.

There are two national children's festivals during the year: Sekku, for boys, and Ohinasama, for girls. Sekku, or "boys' day," is celebrated on the 5th of May. At this time gifts are made to the boys of the home, and for every male child in the family a huge paper carp (koi), of some brilliant hue, is hung out on a pole above the house-top. During this festival a Japanese town looks like a great aerial fish-pond. Ohinasama, "the honorable goddess of maidenhood," rules Japanese homes on the 3d of March, provided there are any daughters in the household. It is virtually "dolls' day," for all the dolls hold high carnival, and are brought forth with all their belongings—such as miniature ceremonial teasets, ornaments, and utensils—and set out in state; while in the tokonoma, or alcove, hangs a silken picture of Ohinasama herself; and a vase filled with odorous blossoms is placed before her. Presents to the daughters of the household, of flowers, cakes, and sweets, are also in order.

The school education of Japanese children begins at the age of six years; and in the primary departments the boys and girls are taught together, although occupying different parts of the schoolroom. It would be impossible, in this article, to discuss the present status of education in Japan; suffice it to say that there are business colleges, mining and engineering schools, law schools, universities, and even musical conservatories—all of which rank most high. Regarding the education of women, this usually consists in an eight years' grammar-school course, and frequently two or three additional years in the shihan-gakko, or normal school.