Hinamatsuri is one of the traditional Japanese festivals and is celebrated on March 3 every year.
This day is known as a day to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls, and the custom is to decorate gorgeous dolls and enjoy special dishes.
However, few people may know the origin of Hinamatsuri and its historical background.
This article details the history of Hinamatsuri from its origins to the present day, as well as the characteristics, traditional foods, and ways to enjoy the festival in each region.
We hope you will rediscover the profound charm of Hinamatsuri and enjoy this event even more.
If you are interested in traditional culture other than Hinamatsuri, please refer to this article !
What is the Doll Festival?
Hinamatsuri is one of the traditional Japanese festivals and is celebrated on March 3 every year.
This day is known as a day to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls, and the custom is to decorate gorgeous dolls and enjoy special dishes.
However, few people may know the origin of Hinamatsuri and its historical background.
This article details the history of Hinamatsuri from its origins to the present day, as well as the characteristics, traditional foods, and ways to enjoy the festival in each region.
We hope you will rediscover the profound charm of Hinamatsuri and enjoy this event even more.
Date and Origin of Girls’ Day
Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese event held annually on March 3, and is known as a day to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls.
This day is also called “Momo no Sekku” (Peach Festival), and has been cherished since ancient times as one of the festivals marking the turn of the seasons.
The origin of Hinamatsuri can be traced back to the ancient Chinese ritual of “Joushi-no-Sekku,” or the Festival of the Snake.
This ceremony was held on the day of the snake at the beginning of March in the lunar calendar, and was a custom to purify oneself in the river to drive away evil spirits.
When this custom was introduced to Japan, people gradually began to display hina dolls and hold a ceremony called “Nagashi Hina,” in which they transfer evil spirits to the dolls and wash them away.
Eventually, the custom of decorating hina dolls took root, and by the Edo period (1603-1867), gorgeous stands for hina dolls were built, and the event developed as an occasion to wish for the healthy growth and happiness of girls.
Today’s Hinamatsuri is celebrated in various ways at home and in the community as a result of this history.
Origins of the Doll Festival
The origin of Hinamatsuri comes from an ancient Chinese ritual.
This was introduced to Japan and merged with uniquely Japanese customs to become the current Hinamatsuri.
By understanding the origins of Hinamatsuri, we can gain a deeper understanding of how this traditional event has taken shape.
Ancient Chinese influence
The roots of Hinamatsuri can be traced back to the ancient Chinese festival of “Joushi-no-Sekku” (the festival of the Snake of the Year).
Joushi-no-Sekku was held on the day of the snake at the beginning of March in the lunar calendar, when people purified themselves in the river and purified themselves of evil spirits.
This custom was introduced to Japan and became a courtly event during the Heian period (794-1185).
In the beginning, “Nagashi Hina” was held to exorcise evil spirits by floating dolls made of paper and grass down the river.
Integration with uniquely Japanese customs
The Joushi-no-Sekku festival was introduced to Japan and developed into the Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Festival) during the Heian period (794-1185), blending with the uniquely Japanese customs.
Especially among the aristocrats of the Heian period (794-1185), doll games (hina games) were very popular, and these gradually became a part of the Hinamatsuri.
Also influenced by Japanese nature worship and ancestor beliefs, hina dolls gradually became more extravagant and were displayed as symbols of prayers for family safety and children’s growth.
In this way, ancient Chinese customs and Japan’s unique culture were combined to form the prototype for the modern Hinamatsuri.
Hinamatsuri has taken root as a traditional Japanese event, undergoing various changes throughout its long history.
Historical Transition of Hinamatsuri
Hinamatsuri has gone through a long history and reached its present form.
By understanding its historical transition, we can understand how Hinamatsuri developed and what kind of meaning it holds.
Heian Period Hina Games
During the Heian period (794-1185), children of aristocratic families enjoyed playing Hiina-play, a game using dolls.
This game is considered one of the roots of Hinamatsuri.
At that time, dolls were simple objects made of paper and cloth, but they gradually evolved into more elaborate objects in aristocratic society.
Hiina games were also meant to drive away bad luck, and people would transfer their own bad luck onto the dolls and float them down the river.
Diffusion as common people’s culture in the Edo period
In the Edo period (1603-1867), Hinamatsuri became popular among the common people.
It was during this period that the tan-dori hina dolls as we know them today appeared, and March 3 in particular became a day to celebrate the healthy growth of girls.
In the Edo period, Hinamatsuri was celebrated in grand style, with families decorating dolls and preparing special foods.
Commercial elements were also added, and gorgeous hina dolls and related products began to be sold.
Dolls’ Festival of the Modern Era
Modern Hinamatsuri is celebrated in a variety of ways while preserving tradition.
Many families display dolls on the doll stand and enjoy traditional foods such as chirashizushi and hina-arare (rice crackers for the Girls’ Day).
It is also used as a tourist resource, with various events and festivals often held in each area.
Furthermore, the culture of Hinamatsuri has been introduced to foreign countries and serves as an important event to convey Japanese culture.
Hinamatsuri is a traditional event deeply connected with Japanese people’s lives, although it has undergone changes over its long history.
Even today, its value has not faded, and it has been passed on to the next generation.
Types of Hina Dolls and Their Meanings
Hina dolls are an indispensable part of Hina Matsuri.
There are various types of hina dolls, each with its own meaning.
By learning about the history and types of hina dolls, you will better understand the deeper meaning of Hinamatsuri.
Nairi Hina and Five Musical Instruments
On the topmost section of the doll stand, the Dairebina (Dolls of the Inner Courts) are displayed in the likeness of the Emperor and Empress.
Uchiuri-hina are the most important of the hina dolls and are dressed in the most prestigious costumes.
Symbolizing the emperor and empress, the uchiuri-hina doll is considered a symbol of prosperity for the family and happiness for the children.
Goninbayashi (five musicians) are a group of musicians positioned on the third tier of the hina-dan, and are modeled after the performers of Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music).
The five musicians, from left to right, consist of a kotsuzumi (small hand drum), an otsuzumi (large hand drum), a fue (Japanese flute), and two singers, and they play a role in making the Hinamatsuri festivities more colorful and lively.
They are a reenactment of Heian-period court events and a symbol of the elegant culture of the time.
Three courtesans and other dolls
On the second tier of the dais, three courtesans (sannin-kanjiyo) are placed.
The three courtesans are the women who serve the uchiuri-hina and are responsible for assisting in the wedding ceremony.
The central official is a married woman, characterized by the fact that her eyebrows are not drawn and her teeth are painted black.
The two female courtesans on either side are unmarried women who hold sake cups in their hands and entertain the uchiuri-hina.
On the lower tier, dolls called zuijin or shicho are placed.
Zuijin are warriors who are assigned to the left and right as guards for the uchiuri-hina, and there are two of them: the right minister and the left minister.
Shicho are dolls that imitate common people performing daily chores, and are usually arranged in groups of three.
Hina doll tan-dori reflects the ancient Japanese court culture and social structure.
Each of these dolls has its own role and meaning, and we can learn about their history and culture through Hinamatsuri.
Characteristics of Hinamatsuri in each region
Hinamatsuri is celebrated throughout Japan, but each region has its own customs and characteristics.
By learning about the differences in Hinamatsuri in different regions, you will gain a richer cultural understanding.
Kyoto Doll Festival
Hinamatsuri in Kyoto is an event that evokes the elegant traditions unique to the ancient capital.
Especially famous are the Hinamatsuri rituals held at Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine.
In Kyoto, the “Nagashi Hina” ceremony is often held on a Sunday near the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, when dolls are floated down a river.
Nagashi Hina is meant to drive away evil spirits, and people wash hina dolls made of paper and grass down the river to pray for their health and happiness.
Also famous are Kyoto’s traditional crafts, such as Kyobina (Kyoto dolls).
Kyohina dolls are elaborately and beautifully decorated and are works of art in which the craftsman’s skill shines through.
These gorgeous dolls are often displayed at the Kyoto Hinamatsuri, which is a popular event for tourists.
Doll Festival in Kanto Region
In the Kanto region, Hinamatsuri is mainly celebrated at home, but various events are also held in each region.
Particularly famous is the “Sawara no Daisai Matsuri” held in Sawara City, Chiba Prefecture.
Here, the traditional Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) event is held, as it has been since the Edo period, and the houses in the city are decorated with gorgeous hina dolls.
Citizens and tourists can enjoy the dolls of each household as they tour the town.
Also in Tokyo, the Senso-ji Temple will host the Sensobashi Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Festival), and the entire town will be colored in Hinamatsuri colors.
Here, dolls are displayed in front of stores in the shopping arcade, delighting visitors.
The scene of local people and tourists coming together to celebrate Hinamatsuri is very lively and festive.
Other unique local customs
Various other unique Hinamatsuri customs exist throughout Japan.
For example, in Kurayoshi City in Tottori Prefecture, the entire hot spring resort area is holding a Hinamatsuri-themed event called “Kurayoshi Hinamatsuri Hinabita Onsen-kyo” (Kurayoshi Hinamatsuri Hot Springs Village).
Onsen inns display hina dolls and offer special Hinamatsuri dishes.
In addition, in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, there is a custom of Hinamatsuri called “Sagemonguri.
Sagemon are small ornaments made of cloth or thread and hung on rings of bamboo or wood, which are displayed at the eaves of houses and indoors.
The scenery decorated with colorful sagemon is extremely beautiful and attracts visitors.
As you can see, Hinamatsuri has various regional characteristics and reflects the culture of each area.
By visiting the Hinamatsuri in each area, you will be able to experience the diverse traditional culture of Japan.
Traditional foods for Girls’ Day
Special foods are an essential part of the Dolls’ Festival.
These foods are meant to bring health and happiness.
Knowing about traditional Hinamatsuri foods will help you enjoy Hinamatsuri more deeply.
Chirashi-sushi and clam soup
Chirashi-zushi is a classic dish for Girls’ Day.
Chirashi-zushi is a gorgeous dish of colorful ingredients scattered over vinegared rice, a dish that reminds one of the arrival of spring.
Ingredients used include shrimp, salmon roe, lotus root, and broiled egg.
Shrimp symbolize longevity, lotus root symbolizes a promising future, and broiled egg symbolizes money luck, each with its own auspicious meaning.
Clam soup is also an essential dish for the Doll’s Festival.
The clam is a symbol of good marriage and marital bliss because the paired shells fit together perfectly.
The clear broth with clams floating in it is beautiful to the eye and has an elegant taste.
There is also a play using clam shells to pray for the healthy growth of children.
Hina Arare and White Sake
When we think of sweets for Hinamatsuri, hina-arare comes to mind.
Hina-arare are small, colorful, and can be either sweet or salty flavored.
Each color of hina-arare has its own meaning: pink symbolizes vitality, white symbolizes purity, and green symbolizes health.
The custom is to wish for the health and happiness of the children by eating these colorful hina-arare.
Hakushu is another traditional drink for the Dolls’ Festival.
Shirozake is an amazake made with rice and koji, and is characterized by a slight sweetness and an alcoholic flavor.
Drinking white wine is meant to ward off evil spirits and pray for good health.
In addition, the white color of white sake symbolizes purity and innocence, and is associated with the wish for the healthy growth of girls.
These traditional foods add to the fun of the Dolls’ Festival.
By gathering around the table for Hinamatsuri with your family and enjoying a meal while looking at the dolls, you will feel the good old Japanese culture.
How to enjoy Hinamatsuri
There are many ways to enjoy Hinamatsuri besides decorating and eating at home.
Visiting local events and tourist attractions is a great way to further appreciate the charms of Hinamatsuri.
Doll Festival in the Modern Home
Hinamatsuri in modern households is celebrated in each family’s own style, while preserving tradition.
Many families decorate hina dolls for March 3, and the whole family enjoys the Doll Festival.
Decorating hina dolls is a fun event for children and a good opportunity to strengthen the bond between parents and children.
Traditional dishes such as chirashizushi, clam soup, and hina-arare are also served at the table on Hinamatsuri.
Enjoying these dishes with the whole family and talking about the meaning and history of Hinamatsuri is a great opportunity to teach children about Japanese culture.
Today, it is common to share photos and episodes of Hinamatsuri through social networking sites and the Internet.
Seeing how other families celebrate the Doll Festival can give you new ideas and empathy.
Local Events and Attractions
Various events are held in various places for Hinamatsuri, and it is also a popular tourist spot.
Many people plan trips to enjoy the unique customs and characteristics of each region.
For example, Kyoto’s “Kyo no Hinamatsuri” (Kyoto Doll Festival) attracts many tourists to visit temples, shrines, and museums decorated with gorgeous hina dolls.
Also popular are tea ceremonies and cultural experience events where visitors can enjoy the elegant atmosphere unique to Kyoto.
Meanwhile, the Kanto region will host the “Edo Tokyo Hinamatsuri,” a variety of events held at Sensoji Temple and nearby shopping streets.
There are displays of hina dolls and a gourmet fair associated with Hinamatsuri, and the entire community gets into the Hinamatsuri mood.
In addition, don’t miss the unique Hinamatsuri events in each area, such as the “Sagemon Meguri” in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the “Kurayoshi Hinabita Onsenkyo” in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture.
These events provide a valuable opportunity for tourists to experience local culture and customs.
By visiting local events and tourist spots, you will discover new ways to enjoy Hinamatsuri and gain a deeper understanding of the festival.
summary
Hinamatsuri is a traditional event that began as an ancient Chinese custom and has continued to the present day, blending with Japan’s unique culture throughout its long history.
The Hinamatsuri is filled with many fascinating aspects, such as the types of dolls, their meanings, regional characteristics, and traditional foods.
In addition to enjoying decorations and food at home, visitors can enjoy Hinamatsuri even more deeply by visiting local events and tourist spots.
We also recommend experiencing traditional Japanese culture during the Girls’ Festival.
For example, visitors can experience Japanese traditions through cultural experiences such as kimono dressing, tea ceremony, and interaction with geisha.
This is a good opportunity for foreign visitors in particular to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
Motenas Japan offers these traditional cultural experiences.
Kimono dressing experience by a professional dresser allows visitors to enjoy wearing a beautiful kimono and having their picture taken.
In the tea ceremony experience, visitors can learn how to prepare tea in a tearoom and feel the spirit of Japanese hospitality.
In addition, visitors can learn about the history and culture of geisha and actually watch geisha dance at an event where they can interact with geisha.
Click here to contact Motenas Japan
By combining these traditional cultural experiences along with enjoying Hinamatsuri, you will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and create special memories.
Experience the rich traditions and culture of Japan through the services of Motenas Japan.
Through Hinamatsuri, let us rediscover traditional Japanese culture and pass on its charms to the next generation.
After graduating from university, I worked as a Systems Engineer (SE) at Reuters Japan. Later, I spent five years as a Systems Manager at Reuters Singapore. After that, I studied business administration at a business school in the Netherlands and joined Hitachi Ltd. At Hitachi, I was responsible for new business development, promoting new projects in China and investment schemes in emerging countries. After working for 11 years, I started running Motenas Japan, offering Japanese cultural experiences to foreigners under the motto “Bringing Japan and the world closer together.”