[Dean's World] Scott Kirwin: Girl's Day in Japan: Hina Matsuri

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Posted by Scott Kirwin:
Girl's Day in Japan: Hina Matsuri
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1141246349.shtml


   Today, March 3, is Girl's Day in Japan, also known as the Festival of
   Dolls. For a few weeks prior to today families with girls have
   displayed their collection of dolls in windows and in shops. Elaborate
   doll displays can also be viewed at large department stores and
   offices.

   The dolls are supposed to help bring good luck to the girls in the
   family which, this being Japan, means helping them find good husbands.
   Perhaps because of this, displays are a very traditional,
   hierarchical, multi-tiered affair with a prince and princess at the
   top followed by servants, soldiers and retainers dressed in styles
   representing the Imperial Court of the Heian Era (794-1192 AD).

   [1][hinadoll2.gif] Photo: [2]Japanese Girl's Day Party

   Here are some links that discuss the festival: [3]basic description,
   [4]historical context.

   For me, seeing the elaborate doll displays was one of the first signs
   of Spring after a bitter Japanese Winter spent trying to get warm.
   Cherry blossom viewing time, or Hanami, was right around the corner,
   and if you think seeing the cherry trees in DC is an experience, try
   living in a whole country filled with blossoming cherry trees. It is
   truly one of the World's great wonders.

   For families with boys, there is "Boy's Day" on May 5. However this
   day has officially become known as Children's Day - perhaps because
   the Powers That Be in Japan felt that it slighted girls since it was
   far more popular. Boy's Day is traditionally celebrated by flying carp
   flags on the house (it's neater than it sounds).

   After a grey winter, can any flower be more beautiful than a crocus or
   tulip? After bitter cold, is it a surprise that a display of dolls
   could warm an old gaijin's heart?

References

   1. http://japanesefood.about.com/od/holidaytraditionalfood/a/girlsdayparty.htm
   2. http://japanesefood.about.com/od/holidaytraditionalfood/a/girlsdayparty.htm
   3. http://www.thejapanfaq.com/celebrations.html
   4. http://www.ginkoya.com/pages/girlsday.html