[Today’s Japanese word “Shobu-yu”]

Today’s Japanese word “Shobu-yu” (Japanese iris are floating in bathwater).
The “Shobu-yu” is a special bath of Children’s Day (May 5).
The boiled roots and leaves of the “Japanese iris” is put into the bath.
“Shobu-yu” may want to add “yomogi” (wormwood).
The bathing in this bath may be avoid the illness and misfortune.

The origin of “Shobu-yu” is old, the Heian era or the Nara era. And it has been introduced from China.
It was spread as a habit in people in Kamakura era.

By the way, the Japanese pronounced of “duel” is “Shobu”.
From there, it seems samurai was bathing in “Shobu-yu” for praying for the winning of war.

Recently, you can buy the kit of “Shobu-yu” only the May 5.

Let’s try in next year!