Hinamatsuri

Hinamatsuri, also known as the Doll Festival or Girls' Day, is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on March 3rd. It is a day dedicated to praying for the health and happiness of young girls. The central element of the festival is the display of a set of ornamental dolls, known as hina-ningyo. These dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, their attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress from the Heian period.

The hina-ningyo are typically displayed on a tiered platform covered with a red carpet, known as a dan. The number of tiers and dolls can vary, but the Emperor and Empress are always placed on the top tier. Families with young daughters set up these displays in their homes, often a few weeks before March 3rd, and meticulously arrange the dolls and their accompanying miniature furniture and accessories.

In addition to the doll display, traditional foods are associated with Hinamatsuri. These include chirashizushi, a scattered sushi dish, and hishi mochi, diamond-shaped rice cakes. Sakura mochi, sweet rice cakes wrapped in cherry blossom leaves, and a sweet rice wine called shirozake are also commonly enjoyed.

The festival is a time for families to gather, enjoy special meals, and celebrate their daughters. It is believed that the dolls bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It is customary to put the dolls away promptly after the festival, as folklore suggests that delaying their removal may result in a late marriage for the daughter. While primarily a celebration for girls, it is a cherished cultural event enjoyed by many in Japan.