Koinobori (carp streamers) for Children's Day Nail Art

I have been seeing some carp streamers while I was in Osaka.  I remember learning about it in my Japanese class in high school, but it's been a while.  I totally can't remember what it means anymore.  Luckily, there's google!  I practically google every question I have in life.

Here's what I found:

""Koinobori", carp windsocks, carp streamers or carp banners, decorate the landscape of Japan from April through early May, in honor of Children's Day (originally Boys' festival) on May 5.In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes courage and strength because of its ability to swim up a waterfall. The Boys' Festival was an event, expressing hope that each boy in the family will grow up healthy and strong like wild carps. During this festival, people set up a warrior doll or a yoroi armor set in the house, and Koinobori, huge carp-shaped windsocks, outside the house."

So, May 5th is Children's Day?  Lets do a nail art for this festive day then!

Colors I used from left to right:
Sally Hansen Triple Strong Strengthener

Sinful Colors Endless Blue 1052

Revlon Parfumerie China Flower

ONL DD Pop Nails #11

Lioele #30

Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat

First I painted 2 coats of the base colors.

Then with a toothpick, I carefully painted in the body of the fish.

Then with a black marker, I drew in the detail.  Wait until everything is dried, then apply top coat!

Chi