Dolls' Festival/Girls' Festival in Japan (Hinamatsuri)

Date:

• Celebrated annually on March 3rd.

History:

• Originates from an ancient Chinese practice where the sin of the body and misfortune are transferred to a doll, then removed by abandoning the doll in a river.
• Adapted in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185), evolving into a tradition to wish for young girls' health and happiness.

Traditions:

Hina Dolls Display:

• Families with girls display a set of ornamental dolls (hina-ningyo) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period.
• The dolls are arranged on a red-carpeted platform with multiple tiers (hinadan).

Special Food Items:

• Hishimochi: Diamond-shaped rice cakes colored in pink (for good health), white (for snow/purity), and green (for new growth).
• Chirashizushi: Scattered sushi with colorful toppings.
• Sakuramochi: Sweet pink-colored rice cake wrapped in a cherry leaf.
• Shirozake: A sweet white sake drink, sometimes replaced with non-alcoholic versions for children.

Other Customs:

• Girls invite friends to view their hina dolls and share festive foods.
• Some regions float paper dolls down rivers to the sea, symbolically carrying away bad luck and illness (a tradition known as "hina-nagashi").

What People Do:

On Hinamatsuri, families celebrate the health and future happiness of their daughters. Homes are decorated with hina dolls weeks before March 3rd but are put away promptly after the festival to avoid late marriage for the daughter. Communities may also hold events showcasing large public displays of hina dolls.