Hina Matsuri Or ‘Doll Festival’, is celebrated in Japan on the third day of the third month (March 3rd). Parents celebrate their daughters’ happiness, growth, and good health on this day. For many mothers and daughters, it is a wish for marriage, but it is forewarned that if the girl does not put the dolls away immediately after the festival, she risks not marrying for a long time.
This festival had its origin about 1,000 years ago in the Heian Period (794-1192). It is a traditional custom to display ceremonial dolls on tiers of shelves covered with scarlet carpet. These dolls are dressed in the fashion of the people of the ancient court. The Emperor and Empress are placed on the upper-most tier, followed by the ladies-in-waiting and ministers. Around them are small pieces of furniture representing items found in the ancient imperial palace. Members of the royal entourage are arranged on the lower levels of the large stands. On the seven-tiered stands the lower two levels are used to display items a Japanese bride might receive as wedding gifts.
About 200 years ago, rivalry among wealthy Japanese for bigger and more elaborate displays led to the creation of laws restricting the size of Hina dolls.
I want to say “thank you” to Keiko Conn for allowing me to photograph her collection and to Diana Larowe, Executive Director of Ro Ho En for giving me access to the collection at Ro Ho En. To find out more about Ro Ho En, the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, click here.
