It's the Girl's day on March 3 in Japan!
"Hina-matsuri" (or also called "Momo-no-sekku" which means a festival in season of peach blossoms) is Doll Festival, one of the annual event to celebrate every year on March 3. The family who has young daughters decorate a set of special dolls "Hina-Ningyou" in the home to wish her happiness and healthy growing.
Dolls dressed in beautiful ancient court costumes of the Heian period, represent members of the ancient imperial court, and are displayed on tiers of shelves as seen on the picture.
The Emperor and the Empress (called “O-Dairi-sama & O-Hina-sama") are displayed on the top shelf, three court ladies each holding Sake equipment on 2nd , five musicians on 3rd ,
two ministers on 4th, and three servants on 5th Shelf are typical disposition of them. Small representative furniture and food are also displayed on the lower shelves.
“Hinamatsuri” began in medieval times but the custom of displaying dolls in today’s fashion started around 18th century.
*important Tip!!
After the festival, the dolls must be stored away immediately. Because, as it is believed that leaving the dolls after the festival with delay makes late marriage of the daughters.
