On May 5, children's day, an especially important festival for boys, Japanese families hang coloured fabric carps outside their homes, like the ones suspended from the ceiling here. These koinobori recall the legend of a carp that tried so hard to swim against the current that it was transformed into a dragon. The young people are encouraged to show similar determination in overcoming the obstacles in their lives. Photo : Michel Lambert

Carp are an important element in the ponds of Japanese gardens and in the lives of Japanese, for that matter.

Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio), veritable aquatic flowers, live in fresh water in subtropical Asia and Europe. In Japan, contests are held to judge their colours and the number and arrangement of their markings. Cross-breeding has produced some highly prized varieties.

	Children's day. Photo : Michel Lambert

Carp are full of symbolism. They represent longevity, strength and perseverance, and can live up to 50 years.

Open Windows on Japanese Gardens 1. Opening a window onto a universe 2. A very famous Zen garden 3. Step by step on stepping stones 4. Endless maintenance 5. Key to the project: the choice of stone 6. The birth of a "Japanese" garden in Montréal 7. Wanted: Hardy species 8. The three religions of Japan 9. Three gardens, three relationships between man and Nature 10. Shakkei or borrowed scenery 11. Living symbols 12. 3, 5, 7 13. Of appearance and essence 14. Precious, colourful carp 15. Mineral strength 16. Changing scale 17. The spirit of stone 18. Islands of the Immortals 19. Plants and time 20. Discreet but essential ground covers 21. Shrubs and the art of plant sculpture 22. Trees, venerable above all 23. Water, a moving mirror of life 24. A pond and its fish 25. Islands and bridges 26.Flowing, shimmering water 27. Listen to your Heart 28. Some important dates

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