Every year on March 3rd we celebrate Hina Matsuri, the Girls' Festival in Japan. Hina dolls are displayed in homes where girls live and special dishes are eaten on this day. Read on to find out more about the traditions related to Hina Matsuri.
Hina Matsuri - A Japanese Spring Tradition with Ancient Roots
March 3rd is "Girls' Day" in Japan, celebrated with a festival called "Hina Matsuri" (Doll Festival or Girls' Festival). The custom of displaying beautiful Hina dolls on this day in homes and public spaces dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Hina Matsuri is a celebration dedicated to girls, during which parents pray for the good health and happiness of their daughters.
This day corresponds to the time when peach blossoms start to bloom. That's why the celebration is also called Momo no Sekku (peach blossom festival).
Although it's not a national holiday, March 3rd is a special day for girls. Families who don't have young daughters might not do anything special for the holiday.
However, many traditions are associated with this festival. In fact, Hina Matsuri celebrations are quite different from region to region. We'll introduce some of these Girls' Day traditions.
Hina Matsuri Dolls
Some families create a display of Hina dolls in their homes, celebrating the good health and happiness of girls everywhere. It's said that Hina Dolls will protect children and keep bad things like accidents and diseases away.
This tradition has its origins in an ancient Japanese belief that bad luck and impurity can be transferred to dolls, which would be thrown into rivers. This was adapted into the festival around the Edo Period (1603 - 1868), when people started to celebrate it by putting Hina dolls up on stands for a short period of time.
Hina Dolls represent the imperial family. The dolls at the top of the platforms represent the emperor and the empress. The rest of the dolls are three court ladies, five musicians and the minister of the Right and Left who used to support the government.
Decorations such as oxcarts, small cupboards, Japanese paper lamps called "bonbori," and orange and peach tree branches are displayed with the dolls.
The facial expressions and costumes of each doll are also different depending on their personality and position.
If families don't have enough space to put up such an elaborate display, they usually display the top tier of the platforms, the dolls representing the emperor and the empress. There are also smaller versions of these dolls.
There are also some other customs. One of them is "Nagashi Bina" in which people throw dolls made from paper into the river in order to ward off bad luck.
Moreover, in some regions of Japan such as Yanagawa (Fukuoka), Higashi-Izu (Shizuoka), or Sakata (Yamagata), small handmade dolls are displayed using strings. These hanging decorations were born out of the same wish for the children to grow healthy and happy.
Hina Matsuri Food Specialties
Special foods prepared for Hina Matsuri include amazake (a sweet beverage), chirashizushi (a type of sushi), and hina arare (sweet colorful rice crackers).
Amazake
Amazake is a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented glutinous rice. Amazake literally means "sweet alcohol," but it has less than 1 percent of alcohol in it, so children are also allowed to drink it.
Drinking shirozake, which is a traditional sweet sake, was one of the customs to purify your body. But shirozake is an alcoholic drink, so amazake was made with children in mind.
Hina arare are colorful and cute rice crackers. The colors of these rice crackers each have meanings. White represents the earth of the winter, pink and red represent life, while green represents the green shoots in the spring. Hina arare is a snack celebrating the arrival of spring after the long, cold winter.
People also say that you will be healthy in the coming year if you eat each color of Hina Arare!
Chirashizushi
Chirashizushi is a type of sushi made with lotus roots, shrimp, and thinly shredded egg on the top of vinegared rice. It's a dish widely enjoyed at celebrations.
The ingredients in chirashizushi have meanings as well. The lotus root is said to give one the power to see what will happen in the future, shrimp are a symbol of longevity, and so on.
Hina arare and amazake can be found at any supermarket in Japan when Hina Matsuri is coming up.
You can also buy chirashizushi, which is decorated for Hina Maturi, at sushi shops and delicatessen shops on March 3rd.
Learn about Hina-matsuri at Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum
The Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum, nestled in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is a captivating destination showcasing the exquisite artistry of Japanese dolls, known as ningyo. Steeped in tradition and cultural significance, the museum offers visitors a mesmerizing journey through the world of Japanese doll-making.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an impressive array of meticulously crafted dolls, ranging from ancient masterpieces to contemporary creations. Each doll is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines Japanese ningyo.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the history and cultural significance of Japanese dolls through informative exhibits, interactive displays, and guided tours. Engaging workshops and demonstrations provide hands-on experiences, allowing guests to explore traditional doll-making techniques under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Hotel Gajoen, located in Tokyo, is renowned for its exquisite Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) event, offering guests a luxurious and culturally immersive experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions related to Hina Matsuri, including a grand Hina Doll display, themed decorations, cultural workshops, and live performances and entertainment.
2. Yanagawa, Fukuoka - Yanagawa Hina Matsuri Sagemon Meguri
Known for its "Sagemon," which are colorful hanging decorations made from fabric. The city holds boat tours along the Yanagawa River, where visitors can see these beautiful decorations hung from various locations.
3. Higashi-Izu, Shizuoka - Inatori Onsen Hina no Tsurushi Kazari Matsuri
The town of Inatori is famous for its "tsurushi bina" (hanging Hina dolls). These handmade decorations are made by local residents and displayed in various venues, including hotels and public spaces.The intricate and colorful hanging Hina dolls and displays throughout the town.
Known for its grand display of over 30,000 Hina dolls set up at the Tomisaki Shrine and throughout the town. The event includes parades, performances, and food stalls. The sheer number of Hina dolls and the festive atmosphere.
5. Tottori, Tottori - Mochigase Nagashi Bina
In Mochigase, the "Nagashi Bina" ceremony involves floating paper Hina dolls down the Sendai River to pray for the health and happiness of girls. This event is a throwback to the ancient purification rituals.The traditional ceremony of floating dolls in the river.
Where to Buy Hina Dolls
There are some Edo-period doll shops in Asakusabashi: Yoshitoku (Japanese) and Kyugetsu.
Yoshitoku
Yoshitoku is a renowned doll shop with a rich history dating back to the Edo period. Situated in the heart of Asakusabashi, it offers visitors an immersive experience in Japanese traditional culture and craftsmanship.
Visitors can marvel at the exquisite detail and craftsmanship of these historical treasures. The shop offers a wide selection of dolls, including Hina dolls for Girls' Day, Gogatsu Ningyo for Boys' Day, and other traditional Japanese dolls representing various themes and occasions.
Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs and gifts at Yoshitoku, including miniature dolls, accessories, and other traditional Japanese crafts, perfect for commemorating their visit to Tokyo.
Kyugetsu
Kyugetsu is another esteemed doll shop nestled in the historic district of Asakusabashi. With a legacy spanning over a century, it is renowned for its exquisite dolls and dedication to preserving Japanese cultural heritage.
Kyugetsu specializes in handcrafted dolls made with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Visitors can admire a diverse array of dolls, ranging from traditional Hina dolls and samurai figures to modern character dolls.
Kyugetsu occasionally hosts doll-making workshops and experiences where visitors can learn about the art of doll-making firsthand. Participants can engage in hands-on activities and gain insight into the traditional techniques used to create Japanese dolls.
Enjoy Hina Matsuri!
In some regions, there are festivals with gorgeous displays of Hina dolls that are truly impressive.
If you like the tradition of Hina Matsuri, you can buy Hina dolls on your visit in Japan and bring them home with you. Put them up on March 3rd to bring a little bit of Japanese spring tradition into your home!
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