"The fish banners are hollow so that the wind ma fill them, causing fish to rise and fall as the breeze comes and goes...The fish used on this eventful day are the famous carp, which the natives call koi, the unconquerable." -Beard, 1906

Paper Koi Birthday Pole

"The fish banners are hollow so that the wind ma fill them, causing fish to rise and fall as the breeze…

"The Japanese carp stands for good cheer, indomitable will, perseverance, and fortitude, and it is used to impress these virtues upon the boys, but all the good qualities named are fully as necessary for girls even though the Japanese do not mention the fact, but girls are not forgotten." -Beard 1906

Paper koi

"The Japanese carp stands for good cheer, indomitable will, perseverance, and fortitude, and it is used…