Hinamatsuri, also known as "Girls  Day" or the "Doll Festival," is celebrated annually on March 3rd in Japan. It is a special day when families with daughters pray for their health, happiness, and prosperous future.

The festival originates from an ancient purification ritual where people would float paper dolls down the river to carry away misfortunes. Over time, this evolved into the tradition of displaying "Hina Ningyo," dolls representing the Emperor and Empress from the Heian period, as a way to bring good fortune to young girls.

Hina Ningyo Dolls on Girls  Day

Hina Ningyo (Hina Dolls) are the central feature of Hinamatsuri. Families with daughters arrange these dolls on a tiered platform called "Hina Dan," which typically consists of 5 to 7 levels:
Top tier: The Emperor (Obina) and Empress (Mebina) with a folding gold screen (Byobu) behind them.
Second tier: Three court ladies (Sannin Kanjo).
Third tier: Five musicians (Gonin Bayashi).
Fourth tier: Two ministers (Zuijin) representing left and right guardians.
Fifth tier: Three samurai (Shicho), protectors of the Emperor and Empress.
Bottom tiers: Miniature furniture, lacquered dishes, palanquins, and decorative items.

Displaying these dolls is believed to bring good luck, but there is also a superstition that keeping the dolls on display past March 3rd may delay a daughter s marriage.

Traditional Foods Eaten During Hinamatsuri

Hina Arare: Colorful rice crackers, representing good fortune and health.

Chirashizushi: A type of sushi with vinegared rice topped with egg, salmon, shrimp, and vegetables, symbolizing prosperity.

Hamaguri Suimono: A clear clam soup, representing 
a perfect and harmonious marriage.

Sakura Mochi: Sweet rice cakes filled with red bean paste and wrapped in salted cherry blossom leaves, symbolizing the arrival of spring.

Hinamatsuri is a festival filled with warmth and cultural significance, bringing families together to wish for the happiness and well-being of their daughters. If you ever visit Japan in early March, experiencing this festival is a wonderful way to appreciate its beauty and tradition!