Celebrated on March 3rd, Hina Matsuri is a traditional Japanese event that prays for the healthy growth and happiness of girls. This day is celebrated with Hina dolls, peach blossoms, and special food.

Hinamatsuri is a festival filled with traditional Japanese customs, but surprisingly few people know the details of its origins and meaning.

So, this time we will introduce the history of Hinamatsuri, how to decorate Hina dolls, how to enjoy cooking, and other ways to enjoy the festival. Let's learn more about the charm of Hinamatsuri and enjoy it.

The history of Japanese Hinamatsuri culture

The history of Hinamatsuri is long, originating from ancient China and developing into a style unique to Japan over the years. The background of today's gorgeous Hinamatsuri is deeply connected to ancient warding off evil spirits, imperial games, and even peach blossoms.

Let's explore the origins and history of how Hinamatsuri was born and developed.

The origins of Hinamatsuri in ancient China

The origin of Hinamatsuri dates back to the ancient Chinese "Joushi Festival." On this day, March 3rd, a day with multiple odd numbers, was considered unlucky, and an event was held near water to ward off evil spirits. This custom was brought to Japan, and during the Heian period it became established as "Nagashi Hina," where paper or straw dolls were floated down the river to ward off evil spirits.

"Hina-asobi" (playing with dolls) became popular during the Heian period

During the Heian period, "Hina-asobi," a pastime in which the children of the nobility played with dolls, became popular. This form of house-playing became associated with "Nagashi-bina," and is said to have become the prototype of Hinamatsuri. It was also during this period that peach blossoms began to be valued. In ancient China, peaches were believed to have the power to ward off evil and evil spirits, and in Japan they were also accepted as lucky charms that bring longevity and happiness. As a result, peach blossoms were adopted as a symbolic decoration for Hinamatsuri, and the name "Momo no Sekku" (Peach Festival) was born.

A gorgeous Hinamatsuri festival established during the Edo period

During the Edo period, the shogunate established the five seasonal festivals, and March 3rd came to be officially celebrated as "Peach Festival." During this period, Hina dolls changed from being floated to being displayed, and gorgeous tiered displays also appeared. Furthermore, peach blossoms, as a symbol of the arrival of spring, were displayed together with the Hina dolls, brightening up homes.

Changes since the Meiji era and the current status of Hinamatsuri

Since the Meiji period, new styles of Hina dolls have been created under the influence of Western culture, and have spread from cities to rural areas. Today, in addition to the traditional seven-tiered display, compact five-tiered and three-tiered displays are also gaining popularity. Peach blossoms continue to be displayed, and are treasured as an important presence that adds color to the Doll's Festival.

How to decorate dolls for Hinamatsuri

Hina dolls are one of the important symbols of Hinamatsuri, and there are rules for how they should be displayed.

The best time to display Hina dolls is from the beginning of spring (around February 4th) to one week before March 3rd, and it is said that displaying them on a sunny day will bring good luck. On the other hand, displaying them one night is considered unlucky and is therefore avoided.

Now, let us take a closer look at how to arrange a seven-tiered display.

1st row: Emperor

On the top tier are placed a male doll and a female doll, symbolizing the Emperor and Empress, and are meant to pray for the prosperity of the family and the happiness of girls. Between the two is a three-sided display with a vase containing peach blossoms, a gold folding screen is placed behind them, and lanterns are hung on both sides to add to the splendor. The placement of the dolls differs by region, with the male doll on the left and the female doll on the right in the Kanto region, and vice versa in the Kansai region.

Second row: Three court ladies

The three ladies-in-waiting have the role of symbolizing a celebratory occasion. The lady-in-waiting in the center is usually seated, while the ladies-in-waiting on either side are usually standing. Each holds a sake cup or sake bottle, expressing feminine grace and devotion.

3rd act: Five musicians

The Gonin-bayashi are musicians who symbolize the liveliness of the Doll's Festival. They line up with players and singers carrying taiko, o-tsuzumi, ko-tsuzumi, and flutes, and through music they pray for a happy life and a bright future. Each instrument is beautifully arranged in harmony.

4th stage: retainer

The attendants are responsible for protecting the Emperor, the Minister of the Right is depicted as an older man, and the Minister of the Left as a younger man. They each hold a bow and arrow, symbolizing the safety of the home and the health of children. A diamond-shaped rice cake is placed in the center, enhancing the luxurious atmosphere.

5th row: Servant

Servants symbolize daily chores and hold brooms and dustpans. They represent diligence and sincerity, and play an important role in supporting household chores and daily life. The placement of the dolls is distinguished by the way their hands are raised.

6th row: Hina dolls

The sixth tier contains a chest of drawers, a chest of drawers, a dressing table, a brazier, and other items that imitate wedding items. These items symbolize a high-class lifestyle and are imbued with wishes for a prosperous future and happiness for the girl.

7th row: Lunch boxes and vehicles

On the seventh tier, a tiered box is placed in the center, with a palanquin and a carriage on either side. These are replicas of the items used in weddings, and are symbols of wealth and formality. By displaying them, people pray for the prosperity of the family.

A dish symbolizing Japan's Hinamatsuri

We will introduce the dishes that decorate Hinamatsuri and the special meanings and wishes that are embedded in each dish. These dishes can be enjoyed not only during Hinamatsuri events, but also at inns that serve traditional Japanese cuisine. Experience the unique seasonal feel and culture of Japan through the food.

Hina Arare

Hina arare has a light texture, and the colorful rice crackers create a bright spring atmosphere. The colors symbolize the four seasons, and are filled with wishes for healthy growth throughout the four seasons. The flavors vary by region, with puffed rice crackers sprinkled with sweet sugar being the norm in the Kanto region, and salty or soy sauce flavored rice crackers being the norm in the Kansai region. Enjoying hina arare with your family allows you to feel the changing of the seasons and the seasonal atmosphere of Japan.

Diamond-shaped rice cake

Hishimochi is made up of three colors: pink, white, and green, each of which represents wishes for protection from evil, purity, and health. These three colors represent the natural changes of spring, symbolizing the flow of the seasons as snow melts and buds sprout and flowers bloom. The diamond shape also represents the heart, and is imbued with wishes for vitality and health. In some regions, mugwort and gardenia are used to bring out the vibrant colors.

Clam soup

Clams are considered a symbol of good relationships and marital harmony, as only one shell can fit with another. On Hinamatsuri, this soup is served on the dinner table to pray for a happy marriage and a happy family life in the future. The clams floating in the clear broth are beautiful, and are a dish that enhances the special feeling of Hinamatsuri.

Chirashizushi

Chirashizushi is attractive for its colorful appearance and variety of ingredients, and symbolizes the prosperity and happiness of the family. Shrimp represents longevity, lotus root represents good vision, and beans represent good health, all of which are auspicious ingredients. Colorful ingredients are scattered on top of vinegared rice, and it is a popular dish that makes you feel the arrival of spring.

Sweet sake

Amazake is a non-alcoholic drink that is popular on Hinamatsuri and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Made from rice malt and sake lees, it is naturally sweet and nutritious. It is treasured as a drink to pray for good health, and along with shirozake, it symbolizes purity and innocence. Drinking cold amazake and feeling the arrival of spring is a unique pleasure of Hinamatsuri.

summary

Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese event that prays for the healthy growth and happiness of girls. Its history, symbolic food, and decorations have deep meanings and a long history of culture. Through peach blossoms, Hina dolls, and special food, you can enjoy the beautiful customs that are unique to Japan.

Experience the charm of Hinamatsuri even more deeply and share its wonder with your family and friends.