Hinamatsuri, like many Japanese holidays and customs, can be traced back thousands of years. It was originally known as the Peach Festival because it was held when peach trees were in bloom.
The Japan Dolls Festival (Hinamatsuri), also known as the ‘doll festival’ or momo no sekku (peach festival) and celebrated annually on March 3rd, is a traditional and distinctive Japanese celebration. While customs vary by region in Japan, there is one thing that is consistent: the primary purpose of this festival is to celebrate female children. Peach tree blossoms are viewed as harbingers of spring and are also believed to ward off evil spirits, making them essential to this celebration. People also gather to pray for the continued health and happiness of female children, set up adorable dolls, decorate their homes, and, of course, prepare festive foods. In contemporary celebrations, women of all ages are honoured. Check out what else is done to celebrate this holiday in the section below.
On Hinamatsuri, Japanese families pray for their young daughters’ health, happiness, and prosperity. It is one of Japan’s five sekku, or seasonal celebrations. Sekku celebrations occur on the first day of the first month, the third day of the third month, the fifth day of the fifth month, and so on. Every year on March 3, Hinamatsuri, the third sekku festival, is celebrated.
Missouri Compromise Day 2023: Date, History, Facts
Hinamatsuri, like many Japanese holidays and customs, can be traced back thousands of years. It was originally known as the Peach Festival because it was held when peach trees were in bloom. Dolls have always been a significant aspect of Hinamatsuri, and they continue to be today.
During the Heian Period (794–1185), people held a similar ceremony to pray for good fortune. People would place straw or paper dolls on rafts and propel them down the river in the belief that the dolls would ward off evil spirits or disasters. During the Edo Period, people began displaying these dolls in their homes (1603 to 1868).
During the 1600s in Japan, when Princess Okiko, daughter of Emperor Go-Mizuno, decided to play with a doll display created specifically for her, the dolls began to be displayed on platforms draped in crimson fabric.
Upon ascending to the throne in 1687, the Empress Meisho promoted Hinamatsuri. Since then, artisans throughout Japan have created Hina dolls for the event, and the tradition continues to this day.
Hinamatsuri was abandoned in favour of new holidays that emphasised the emperor’s imagined connection to the people during the Meiji period, when Japan began modernising and the emperor was restored to power, but it was eventually reinstated.
It represented Japanese goals and values by emphasising marriage and families, and the dolls were believed to represent the emperor and empress. It also instilled admiration and respect for the throne. The Japanese diaspora spread the holiday to other countries, but it is still restricted to Japanese immigrant groups and their descendants.
Prior to March 3, families organise events at their homes to showcase their displays. In contrast, traditional Japanese festivals are typically large public events with marches, dances, fireworks, street vendors, artwork, and other forms of entertainment. Even though Hinamatsuri is typically celebrated at home with close friends and family, traditional events are still held throughout the country.
Obviously, the most well-known aspect of this festival is the dolls. The clothing is inspired by the Heian period and can be intricate or straightforward. As these dolls gained popularity in the early ages, dollmakers created increasingly intricate designs, some of which were quite valuable and expensive. Therefore, tiers were added to keep the more expensive dolls out of reach of children. The doll display evolved and became more intricate.
Today, this festival is celebrated worldwide by Japanese people. In the days leading up to the holiday, little girls are encouraged to host parties and indulge in festive sweets and foods. Girls’ dolls are prominently displayed in their homes, and peach blossoms dominate the interior design. Increasing numbers of households are now expanding their traditions to honour all women. After the festival, however, the dolls are stored until the following year.
The Katsuura City Art and Cultural Exchange Center in Chiba, Japan, is displaying approximately 8,000 Hina dolls. It is an excellent option for those who wish to experience the festival firsthand.
Display affection for the women in your family. Celebrate with food and gifts.
The importance of food in Japanese Hinamatsuri celebrations cannot be overstated. In honour of the Japan Dolls Festival, enjoy a traditional Japanese dish.
This leading doll-producing district in Japan hosts an annual event called Machikado Hina Meguri — Touring the Streets of Hina Dolls — and has more than 50 shops selling various figurines.
During this festival, the city of Katsuura in Chiba, Japan, celebrates “Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri” by decorating the entire city with approximately 30,000 Hina dolls.
Boys did not traditionally celebrate Hinamatsuri because they held a ‘Boy’s Day’ a few days later; ‘Boy’s Day’ has been renamed ‘Children’s Day’ and is now celebrated annually on May 5.
The demand for single, compact doll sets already arranged in glass cases has increased over the past few years.
The primary dolls, a male and female, are displayed to resemble a wedding from the Heian period; they are commonly referred to as the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 3 | Friday |
| 2024 | March 3 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 3 | Wednesday |
Yahoo Finance predicts an increase in Social Security payouts for seniors in 2025, addressing rising…
The White House has introduced debt relief through FFELP and Perkins, allowing debtors to consolidate…
Extra payments and tax credit are being provided to help the economy recover from economic…
ASI-Progressive has distributed letters to homeowners in Bonita Springs, Southwest Florida, causing thousands to lose…
Financial security and retirement planning require understanding the maximum benefits available through Social Security, which…
In Texas, Medicaid is a crucial program for people with varying income levels, providing financial…