The 3rd of March is "Hina-Matsuri" (Doll's Festival) or "Momo-no-Sekku" (Peach Blossom Festival), or Girl's Day. It has been celebrated in Japan since the Edo Period (17th - 19th century). On this day, families with young daughters celebrate this event at home to ensure their daughter's future happiness. They decorate Hina-Ningyo (special, beautiful dolls which are replicas of an ancient emperor and empress and their subordinates). These are ceremonial dolls, handed down from generation to generation. They are displayed for a few days in the best room of the house after which they are carefully boxed and put away until the next year. It is considered bad luck to display them past March 3. Peach blossoms, symbolizing a happy marriage, are also used to decorate. The blossoms signify the feminine traits - of gentility, composure and tranquility. We've seen many beautiful treats decorated with peach blossoms in the Japanese grocery stores. We haven't celebrated with Lottie's other baby girl friends yet, but it is customary to have a little girly party as well. Happy Girl's Day, Lottie! We are glad to have a beautiful little girl to celebrate.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Girl's Day
The 3rd of March is "Hina-Matsuri" (Doll's Festival) or "Momo-no-Sekku" (Peach Blossom Festival), or Girl's Day. It has been celebrated in Japan since the Edo Period (17th - 19th century). On this day, families with young daughters celebrate this event at home to ensure their daughter's future happiness. They decorate Hina-Ningyo (special, beautiful dolls which are replicas of an ancient emperor and empress and their subordinates). These are ceremonial dolls, handed down from generation to generation. They are displayed for a few days in the best room of the house after which they are carefully boxed and put away until the next year. It is considered bad luck to display them past March 3. Peach blossoms, symbolizing a happy marriage, are also used to decorate. The blossoms signify the feminine traits - of gentility, composure and tranquility. We've seen many beautiful treats decorated with peach blossoms in the Japanese grocery stores. We haven't celebrated with Lottie's other baby girl friends yet, but it is customary to have a little girly party as well. Happy Girl's Day, Lottie! We are glad to have a beautiful little girl to celebrate.
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