Hinamatsuri, March 3rd
On March 3rd of each year, parents of young girls celebrate the growth and happiness of young girls throughout Japan. They celebrate by using dolls to keep the evil presence away. They also celebrate by dressing their young daughters in kimonos. On this occasion, the display consists of 5-7 platforms. The dolls are displayed on the platforms. The emperor and empress are always displayed on top and other dolls like musicians are displayed below. The dolls are dressed in kimonos and are never the same size. The platforms have red felt that covers all of them. For food, they have rice cakes that the daughters share with the dolls.
by Ali |
Hinamatsuri is held on March the 3rd each year. This is a significant day. Traditionally, people used to think that the dolls contained the bad spirits. Girls would put the straw dolls out to sea taking the bad spirits with them. The customary food for the festival is shirozake a drink made from fermented rice and hinaarare which are small rice crackers flavoured with sugar or soy sauce. In the weeks leading up to Hinamatsuri, dolls are put on display in homes, temples, shops and other public places. The dolls are displayed on tiered platforms. The top tier holds two dolls known as the Emperor and Empress, the second tier contains three court ladies each holding sake equipment. The third tier holds five male musicians each holding a piece of musical equipment while the fourth one holds two ministers. The last tier holds samurai warriors.
by James
by James