🎎HINA MATSURI🎎
Some time in February families begin to unwrap and display a set of ornamental dolls called 'Hina-ningyō' (雛人形). These dolls lie at the heart of the 'Hina Matsuri' (雛祭り) celebrations on March 3rd.
In English it is known as "Doll’s Day" or "Girls’ Day".
Central to Hina Matsuri is a set of dolls, collectively known as 'Hinakazari' (雛飾り).
Traditionally girls received the main figures, a male doll 'Obina' (男雛) and female doll 'Mebina' (女雛), before their first birthday.
Even today an entire doll set can be fairly expensive!
The dolls in most sets basically look the same, but there is a slight difference between traditional Kansai (inspired by the imperial court) & Kanto (inspired by the shōgunal seat of power) Hinakazari.
Hina Matsuri evolved from 1 of the 'Go-sekku' (五節句), 5 events held on auspicious days throughout the year. Imported by the imperial court from China, these festivals now coincide with the 1st January, 3rd March, 5th May, 7th July and 9th September.
🎍1/1 Kochōhai (小朝拝 New Year)
🎎3/3 Kyokusui-no-en (曲水の宴 Feast of Drinking around a Meandering Stream)
🎏5/5 Tango-no-sekku (端午の節句 Boys' Festival)
🪡7/7 Kikkōden (乞功奠 Tanabata)
🍶9/9 Chōyō-no-en (重陽の宴 Feast of Chrysanthemums)
Because peach trees flowered around the original date of the celebration, it was first known as the 'Peach Festival' (桃の節句 'Momo-no-Sekku').
When the Gregorian calendar was adopted the festival fell outside the blooming period, and so it was renamed 'Hana Matsuri'.
In 1625, to celebrate the Peach Festival, the ladies at court had a set of dolls made for Okiko (興子), daughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo.
Playing with (雛遊び 'hina asobi') and displaying dolls became linked to the old festival, and in 1687 the name was changed to 'Hina Matsuri'.
@camelliakyoto
Frankly, I'm good to leave it out year round, but MIL is like, then Mana (daughter) won't be able to get married until later in life!
I roll my eyes and reply, that's not a bug, it's a feature.
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