Girls' Day - March 3rd (Japan)

Girls' Day, also known as Hinamatsuri or the Doll Festival, is a special occasion in Japan celebrated on March 3rd. It is a day to pray for the health, happiness, and future success of girls.

Key Traditions of Hinamatsuri

• Displaying Hina Dolls: The most distinctive tradition is the display of elaborate sets of hina dolls (hina-ningyō) representing the Imperial Court in ancient Japan. These dolls are usually arranged on a tiered stand covered with a red carpet.
• Offering Food and Drinks: Special foods and drinks are prepared and offered to the dolls, including hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes), arare (small colorful rice crackers), and shirozake (sweet white sake).
• Decorating with Peach Blossoms: Peach blossoms (momo no hana) are traditional decorations for Hinamatsuri as they are believed to ward off evil spirits.
• Floating Paper Dolls: In some regions, people float paper dolls (hina okuri) down rivers to carry away bad luck or illness.

Significance of Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri is a time for families to celebrate their daughters and wish them a bright and happy future. The traditions are rich in symbolism, with the dolls representing elegance and happiness, and the peach blossoms symbolizing vitality.

Learn More About Girls' Day in Japan:

• Wikipedia: Hinamatsuri