March 3rd Girl's Day Festival
Hina no Sekku
Hina no Sekku
Every March 3rd for the past 900 years, Japan has celebrated 'Hina-no-Sekku', the Girl’s Day Festival. Hina means 'something small and lovely'. This festival is held when the cherry and peach trees are in bloom, and the world is fresh and pretty.
The Japanese girls send invitations to their friends on fancy paper, asking them to come to a Girl’s Day party. They put together a menu for the party, with rice cakes, iced nuts, pink and white bon bons, and tiny fruits. This food is not only for the girls, but also for their dolls.
The traditional set of hina dolls has fifteen dolls in it. This set is often passed down from mother to daughter and can be very old and valuable. The most important two dolls are the Emperor (1) and Empress (2), the rulers of Japan. A table is placed betwen these two dolls, with food for them.
The second step from the top is supposed to be the garden steps of the Imperial Palace. It holds three Ladies In Waiting (3), who serve the Emperor and Empress. The third step holds two guards (4), with bows and arrows, or swords. This shelf has a teeny orange tree and cherry tree. It also holds five court musicians (5) - the orchestra.
 Female Musician |  Male Musician |
Female Musician Doll Photos
Male Musician Doll Photos
Hina Dolls Artist Trading Card
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