Songs form a part of children’s lives for a long time. The best way to soothe a cranky baby is to hum a song. Children have no language barriers and for them music and melody is of much importance. Slowly as they grow they get enchanted with words and try to decipher their meaning as per their vocabulary. Each culture has a unique way to welcome a new born child with the functions of baby shower happening when the lady has conceived. Customs and traditions are different in each state and give a enhanced meaning when involved with songs. What can be said through a song is many times impossible using dialogues in conversation.
Japanese children’s songs can be seen in folk songs and also general ones. The simple facts of life like counting and alphabets can be put through a song in an effective manner. There are songs like Song of Kites or Sakura Sakura which are also categorized as nursery rhymes. Colours and shapes can be taught through children’s songs. The Hina Matsuri song of the Happy Elephant is much loved by all. Rhymes does not hinder the recitation with respect to the understanding of the child’s capacity to decipher the knowledge.
Initially the simple narration catches their attention and repetition surely conveys them the meaning. Hina means a doll and the famous doll festival of Japan involves displays the dolls in a stand. The song and dance festival is festive with girls dressing up for the function. The chief dolls happen to be the Emperor and The Empress. This song expresses the joy of the festival and the importance of lights.
There are rhymes that involve Open Hands and Close Hands and others that talk about a Carp windsocks as Tango no Sekku marks the Boys festival which is celebrated on the 5th of May. The koinobori or carp windsocks are laid on the outer side of the house resembling the determination peculiar to a boyish nature. The song is simple and lively. There are songs that welcome the Spring and others that talk about the beauty of Snow.
The telephone song is a simple compilation of words and its liked by all children.
It is interesting to note that the songs for children are enjoyed much by elders too. Grandparents enjoy in the narration to the and are eager to express the meaning. The tunes are loved by the kids and many years later one naturally hums the same to their own offspring’s. These are the forever-quality and the finest ones. There are also books available on nursery rhymes, poems and short prose which are interesting for children.