“Let's light the lanterns, Let's set peach flowers, Five court musicians are playing flutes and drums, Today is a joyful Dolls' Festival”

These are the words which were sung throughout Japan this March 3rd for Hina Matsuri, a Japanese doll festival also known as “Girls Day”. Special ornate dolls called hina-nigyo were brought out for display in families houses and public spaces to wish happiness and growth for young girls. The dolls are also dedicated to the seasonal blooming of peach trees, which give this celebration its other name, Momo no Sekku, meaning festival of the peach.

Hina Matsuri dolls represent characters from the ancient Heian courts (794-1185). Dolls are placed on several cascading platforms which are covered by an ornamental red drape called the “hi-mōsen”. Ornate Emperor and Empress dolls take precedence on the top of displays while lower levels include ministers, musicians, court ladies, samurais and servants. A display might also include other miniature items such as furniture, food, and weapons. Sets are usually no larger than seven tiers. In accommodation for Japans smaller houses, there are also smaller and simplified doll sets displaying only the Emperor and Empress.

In homes these displays are taken down as soon as the day ends as it is said if they are left up they will prolong the time it takes for a girl to get married. However, larger public displays are often left up until the beginning of April.

These display sets are usually quite expensive and are typically handed down as gifts for younger girls from their parents or grandparents. Boys aren’t completely left out. Often they are gifted samurai dolls which represent strength and loyalty. Besides, they get their own celebration, “Boys day”, later on May 5.

Other Hina Matsuri customs include a song and dance and special treats. “Hishimochi”, a diamond-shaped rice cake with pink, white and green layers is the most customary treat, although chirashi sushi, and the always popular sweet sake are consumed.  

This tradition is likely an evolution from “Hina.” This day in the ancient forms of Shinto religion was traditionally a day of purification. Origami Dolls were made to absorb evil and bad luck, and were then floated down rivers or burned to assure good fortune. This practice can still be seen at shrines and parks throughout Japan, much to the surprise of many blogging foreign tourists.