March 3rd was Hinamatsuri. This holiday is dedicated to Japan's little girls. On this day we give thanks for the health and well being of girls. To celebrate, people construct doll shrines of the Emperor, Empress and their attendants. Here's Mia in front of her school's doll display. She's holding the Emperor & Empress dolls she made in class.
The displays are in personal homes, department stores, everywhere! The displays can be quite elaborate including all the royal attendants----from top to bottom: the royal couple, then court ladies, musicians, ministers and servants. This holiday is also called "Momo no Sekku" or "Peach Festival" because it coincides with peach blossom season. Many of the shrines have peach blossom offerings to the dolls.
Her school had flower boquets and served all the students lunch on that day.
Each class made something for hinamatsuri---Mia made these dolls.
They also made purses out of newspapers with peach blossoms on them. Her school gave all the kids Japanese sweets in their bags. The sweets were similar to Fruit Loops cereal, but without the fake coloring and the sugar overload.
We are very thankful for the health and well being of our little lass.
1 comment:
We share your thankfulness for the health and well being of your lovely lass and lad.
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