[Crescent Moon Chronicle (11) Mini-Explanation] Why is horse archery performed in May?

Click here for the episode featuring the May horse archery scene ⬇️

In ancient China, May was considered an "evil month," a time when yin energy increased and people were thought to be more prone to illness.

*Since the May mentioned here refers to the lunar calendar, it corresponds to mid-June to early July in the modern calendar. It is a humid and sweltering season.

For this reason, events such as gathering medicinal herbs to ward off evil spirits and horse archery to keep the body active were encouraged in Japan as well. 🌿🐎🏹

Eventually, with the rise of the samurai, horse archery in May became a symbol of martial arts training and evolved into an event to pray for the growth of strong boys.

This progression has also been passed down into the culture of May dolls and the Tango no Sekku festival (such as iris baths). 🎏