Thursday, March 1, 2012

Doll Festival: ひな祭り (Hina-Matsuri)


On March 3rd, we have The Japanese Doll Festival (雛祭り, Hina-matsuri), or Girls' Day.
Platforms covered with a red carpet are used to display a set of ornamental dolls (雛人形, hina-ningyō) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian Era.
We usually celebrate girls' or daughters' health and growth through this festival.

Originally, There are 7 tiers.
1st, Top Platform, Emperor and Empress sit,
2nd, lady servants sit to serve Sake to Emperor
3rd, musicians sit to entertain the festival
4th, Ministers sit to provide Emperor "Lip Services" (may-be)
5th, Samurais sit to protect Emperor (but I assume they cannot complete their mission because they are drank)
6th, Tools and crafts for daily living
7th, Cars and baskets

But in modern age,
We have 3 tiers, 5 tiers or even just 1 tier (like the one I have) for more compact space.


Photo: Beautiful Hina-Doll in Shinjuku Keio Plaza Hotel:



Photo: Hina Doll in my house



Video: Hina Doll with Hina-Matsuri Song (with my Daughter singing)




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