March 3rd is the Girls' Festival, or Hinamatsuri.

 

Many people probably celebrate Girls' Day by decorating their homes with Hina dolls.

Here is a little bit about the history, origins, and recommended spots for Hinamatsuri.

I would like to introduce it to you.

 

 

☆The origin of Hinamatsuri

Hinamatsuri was not originally a special "girls' day."

It was an event held for both men and women to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.

When the Edo Shogunate came into power, the "Snake Day," which had previously fluctuated, was set as March 3rd.

Furthermore, since people start displaying Hina dolls, it is no longer unisex but has become "Girls' Day."

 

Hinamatsuri is not just a festival, but a day to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls.

It has now become established as Hinamatsuri.

 

 

☆Why do we display Hina dolls?

First, I would like to talk about the period before it took on the form of Hina dolls.

In the old days, people would rub their bodies with dolls made from grass or straw and then let them float down the river to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.

Separately, girls of the upper classes of the nobility made paper dolls to play with.

This game is called "Hina-asobi" (dolls playing in a river), and when this game was combined with the practice of floating dolls down the river, "Nagashi-bina" was born.

 

During the Edo period, doll-making techniques improved, and instead of throwing them down the river,

This evolved into a custom of decorating your home with them.

The Hina dolls take the place of girls' misfortunes!!

 

☆Celebrating with peach blossoms and food

 

Peach blossoms are said to have the power to ward off evil spirits, ward off evil spirits, and bring longevity.

It seems that there are many people who have been saved by the mysterious power of peaches.

It is said that the practice of decorating with peach blossoms began because they are considered to be auspicious and because it happens to be the time when peach blossoms are in bloom.

Speaking of food, there is chirashi sushi, clam soup, hishimochi (rice cakes with dried flowers) and so on.

Here's the origin of each one:

Chirashizushi...It contains various ingredients so that you will not be short of food in the future.

Clam soup...May you find a partner who is just as perfect for you as a clam shell and spend the rest of your life together.

Hishi-mochi (rice cake with diamonds)... (red) warding off evil spirits, detoxification (white) pure white, clean (green) longevity, health

 

☆Just a short walk from Shibuya! The 100-Step Staircase at Meguro Gajoen

 

The Hundred Steps Staircase event is held every year at Meguro Gajoen.

This event took place on the 99 steps of Meguro Gajoen Building No. 3, a building designated as a tangible cultural property.

You can see a row of Hina dolls lined up.

2019 will be the 10th anniversary! This year's theme is "Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata Hina Travelogue."

You can see beautiful Kokin Hina dolls, tiered displays over two meters high, and tiny palm-sized Hina doll accessories.

Why not go and see this breathtakingly beautiful view while wearing a kimono?

 

We also have kimonos for children.

You can also coordinate your outfit with your mother by wearing the same kimono, so please come and visit us.