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What is the Japanese Peach Festival? Decorations, meaning, origin, why? March 3rd is the day of peach blossoms.

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What is the Japanese Peach Festival? Decorations, meaning, origin, why? March 3rd is the day of peach blossoms.

Let's think about the decorations, meaning and origins of "Peach Festival"


There are many traditional events in Japan.

One of these is Hinamatsuri.

Don't just decorate your home with cute Hina dolls , learn their meaning and enjoy the festival with your family.



Hinamatsuri Event




---- table of contents ----
Click below to jump



1. What is the Peach Festival? The origin of the traditional event celebrated on March 3rd ~ An event to pray for the growth of girls ~


2. The difference between Hinamatsuri and Momo no Sekku: Explaining the meaning of each - their cultural background, role and one of the five seasonal festivals


3. How to decorate for the Doll Festival and choose a Hina doll?
~The correct way to decorate at home~


4. Why is the Girl's Festival on March 3? The relationship with events brought over from China - The relationship between Jōshi-setsu and the Girl's Festival


5. The essential food for the Girls' Festival: the meaning of chirashi sushi and hishi mochi - traditional dishes for praying for good health


6. Peach Festival and the power of peach blossoms to ward off evil: Ancient beliefs about peach blossoms as warding off evil


7. Celebrating Girls' Day with your Family: How to Enhance Your Relationships with Your Girlfriend - How to Celebrate at Home


8. The origin and development of the Girls' Festival: Influence of Japanese culture and the Chinese Jōshi Festival ~ Cultural evolution ~


9. Peaches as lucky charms: Wishes for health and longevity embodied in the Girls' Festival - The symbolic meaning of peaches


10. The power of Hina dolls to ward off evil and their traditional meanings - The importance of Hina dolls


11. How to celebrate Girls' Festival: The importance of traditional events that families can enjoy together - How to enjoy them together as a family


12. Learn about the Girls' Festival and how to celebrate it with your family: The significance of traditional events - How to enjoy the Girls' Festival


Girls' Festival


1. What is the Peach Festival? The origin of the traditional event celebrated on March 3rd

The Girls' Festival is a traditional event held every year on March 3rd in Japan, and is widely known as a day to pray for the growth and happiness of girls .

This event is said to have originated from the "Joshisetsu" festival, which was introduced from ancient China, and has become established in Japan as one of the five seasonal festivals.

In Japan, the festival is called "Peach Festival" because peach blossoms bloom around this time of year.

Peach blossoms are said to have the power to ward off evil spirits , and it is common for homes to display peach blossoms in preparation for this day.

The main purpose of the Girls' Festival is to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls .

At home, people decorate their homes with Hina dolls and celebrate, praying for the safe growth of girls.

Hina dolls originated from a doll game called "Hina-asobi" that began in the Heian period, and later came to have the meaning of protecting girls from evil.

On this day, families often gather together and enjoy traditional foods such as hishi mochi and hina arare. As the whole family enjoys this event, it is an opportunity to deepen family bonds .






2. Difference between Hinamatsuri and Peach Festival

The Girls' Festival is one of Japan's five seasonal festivals, held on March 3rd, and is an event primarily for praying for the health and happiness of girls.

On the other hand, "Girls' Festival" is a traditional Japanese event held on the same day, in which people decorate and celebrate with Hina dolls .

In other words, Peach Festival is a broader concept that includes Girls' Festival.

The Doll's Festival is celebrated with great fanfare to protect girls from misfortune and was celebrated during the Edo period.

In particular, it has a strong meaning as the first festival , and is an important event in which the whole family takes part in celebration.

The most spectacular display of Hinamatsuri is a seven-tiered display of dolls, and the centerpiece of the event is families coming together to pray for their daughters' growth and enjoy traditional cuisine.

In particular, the hishi mochi and hina arare rice crackers eaten on this day symbolize the change of seasons and express prayers for the prosperity and health of the family .






3. How to decorate for the Doll Festival and choose a Hina doll?

Decorating the home with Hina dolls is one of the most important aspects of celebrating the Girls' Festival.

During this event, the dolls are displayed to pray for the health of girls and to protect them from evil spirits.

The origins of Hina dolls date back to the Heian period, when they were enjoyed as a game of dolls called "Hina asobi."

This game gradually came to have a meaning as a ritual to ward off evil spirits , and developed into the modern custom of "displaying Hina dolls."

There are many different kinds of Hina dolls, the most common being a luxurious set called a seven-tiered display set.

This set includes dolls representing the Emperor and Empress, as well as three court ladies and five musicians.

Nowadays, due to space restrictions, Shinno-kazari (decorations for just two people) and simple case decorations are also popular.

Hina dolls are symbols of protection for girls and represent wishes for prosperity and health for the family.






4. Why is March 3 the Girls' Festival? The connection to an event that originated in China

The reason why March 3rd became the date for Girls' Festival is because of an event called "Joshisetsu" that was introduced from China.

Jōshi-setsu was a ritual to ward off evil spirits that took place on the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar, the day of the snake, in which people would purify their bodies in the river to ward off bad luck for the year and pray for good health.

This custom was brought to Japan and was accepted as an important event held at the change of seasons.

In particular, in Japan, peach blossoms bloom around this time of year, and as peaches are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits, this holiday has come to be known as the "Peach Festival."

Peach blossoms are considered a symbol of longevity and protection from evil, and it is believed that displaying them in the home will ward off evil spirits and ensure the health of the entire family.

In this way, the Girls' Festival is not just an event to celebrate the growth of girls, but also an important event to pray for the prosperity of the entire family.





Celebration Hinamatsuri


5. The meaning of chirashi sushi and hishi mochi, ceremonial foods essential to the Girls' Festival

One of the charms of the Girls' Festival is the traditional foods that are an essential part of the event.

Particularly popular foods at this time of year include chirashi sushi, hishi mochi, hina arare, and clam soup.

Each dish has a deep meaning behind it.

For example, chirashi sushi, with its gorgeous appearance with colorful ingredients scattered all over it, symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

Commonly used ingredients include shredded egg, shrimp, and bamboo shoots, with shrimp representing "living long enough to bend over" and bamboo shoots representing "healthy growth."

Hishi-mochi is a three-layered rice cake with green, white, and red (pink) layers that represent health, purification, and vitality, respectively.

Clam soup is said to be a prayer for marital harmony and good relationships.






6. The warding off evil with peach blossoms: an ancient belief

Peach blossoms play an important role in the Girls' Festival as a symbol of protection from evil spirits that has been passed down since ancient China.

The warding off power of the peach blossom is based on old Chinese legends, and it has been used specifically as a fruit to ward off evil spirits.

Peaches are also believed to protect families from misfortune and bring longevity and prosperity.

This tradition was also carried over to Japan, where the custom of decorating with peach blossoms to pray for the health and safety of family members has taken root.

During the Girls' Festival, it is common to decorate the home with peach blossoms; not only are they beautiful, but they also serve as talismans against evil spirits.

Peach blossoms are an essential part of Japanese culture, as they represent wishes for the health and longevity of the entire family.






7. Celebrating Girls' Day as a Family: How to Help Girls Grow and Strengthen Your Bonding

The Girls' Festival is not just a ceremonial event, but also an important opportunity to deepen family bonds.

On this day, the whole family comes together to celebrate and pray for the girl's health and happiness.

On Hinamatsuri, families decorate dolls and celebrate the growth of girls .

Decorating becomes a family event, and spending time together with your daughter deepens the bond between you and your child.

It is common for grandparents to be invited to celebrate the first festival , making it an important event that brings the whole family together.

It is also customary for families to enjoy traditional food together on this day.

By gathering around the dinner table together and making dishes essential to the Girls' Festival, such as chirashi sushi, hina arare, and hishi mochi, the whole family can take part in the celebration.

In this way, the Girls' Festival is not just a special day for girls, but also a special day for deepening bonds with the entire family.





Hinamatsuri Dolls


8. The origin and development of the Girls' Festival: the influence of Japanese culture and the Chinese Jōshi Festival

The origin of the Doll's Festival dates back to the ancient Chinese festival of Shangshi.

Jōshi-setsu is an event held on the day of the snake in early March of the lunar calendar, where people would purify themselves in the river to ward off evil spirits and pray for good health.

This custom was brought to Japan and became established as an important event held at the change of seasons.

In particular, March 3rd coincides with the time when peach blossoms bloom, hence the name "Peach Festival."

After being introduced to Japan, the Jōshi festival became integrated with Japan's unique culture over time and developed into an event to pray for the healthy growth of girls .

On this day, families decorate their homes with dolls and pray for the growth and happiness of their daughters.

During the Edo period, this custom spread throughout the country, and the Hatsu-sekku (the first Peach Festival) in particular was considered a special occasion for celebration, with family and relatives gathering together to celebrate in a grand manner.

In this way, the Doll's Festival has developed from the Jōshi festival, which was introduced from China, into a uniquely Japanese event that values ​​family ties .






9. Peaches as auspicious items: Wishes for health and longevity are embedded in the Girls' Festival

The special meaning of peaches and flowers during the Peach Festival dates back to ancient China.

Peaches are a fruit that symbolizes longevity and prosperity, and are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.

In particular, legends about immortality have been passed down since ancient times, and there is a deeply rooted belief that eating peaches will help you stay healthy and live a long life.

For this reason, peach blossoms and fruits are now displayed on the Girls' Festival to pray for the health and longevity of the whole family .

In China, peaches are considered a sacred fruit, and there is a legend that peach trees were planted in places where immortals were said to live.

The mystical power of the peach has also influenced Japan's seasonal festivals, where it plays an important role as a symbol of prayers for the health of the entire family and the healthy growth of girls.

In modern times, it is common to use peach blossoms to celebrate the Girls' Festival, as the beautiful flowers symbolize the arrival of spring and brighten up the home.

Decorating with peach blossoms emphasizes wishes for happiness and health for the family and can be enjoyed as part of the celebrations.






10. The power of Hina dolls to ward off evil and their traditional meaning

Hina dolls play an important role in the Girls' Festival.

Its origins date back to a game of playing with dolls called "Hina-asobi" during the Heian period, and they were originally simple dolls made from paper and grass.

However, during the Edo period, extravagant Hina dolls began to be made and their meaning of warding off evil spirits became stronger.

Hina dolls are displayed to protect girls, based on the belief that the bad luck of children will be transferred to the dolls.

By absorbing misfortune, the dolls pray for the daughter to grow up healthy and safe.

In particular, the seven-tiered Hina doll display features dolls representing the Emperor and Empress, centered around people and items from the Imperial Court, and is treasured as a symbol of a girl's future happiness .

Passing on the decorations to their children strengthens the bond between parents and children , so it is important for the whole family to continue this tradition.






11. Enjoying Girls' Festival with the Family: How to Spend a Traditional Event to Strengthen Bonds

The Girls' Festival is an important event where the whole family gathers together to celebrate the growth of girls .

This event strengthens family ties and provides an opportunity to pass on traditional values ​​to the next generation.

In order to enjoy the Girls' Festival at home, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

First of all, the main focus of the festival is decorating the Hina dolls . By carefully decorating the dolls with the cooperation of the whole family, the bond between parents and children is deepened.

In particular, the first festival is an opportunity to invite grandparents and other relatives and to once again realize the importance of family .

Once you've finished decorating, taking commemorative photos will make for a great memory.

It is also important to enjoy traditional ceremonial foods on this day.

By gathering around the dinner table together and making dishes essential to the Girls' Festival, such as chirashi sushi, hina arare, and hishi mochi, the whole family can take part in the celebration.





Hina dolls are ranked No.1 in popularity



Celebrate with Hinasei's most popular Hina dolls, Kanae Hina




12. Learn about Girls' Festival and how to celebrate it with your family: the significance of this traditional event

Celebrating Girls' Festival with family has a deeper meaning that goes beyond being a simple event.

This event is a special time for the whole family to share in the joy and pray for the girl's healthy growth.

Furthermore, by passing on traditional customs to the next generation, we can continue to cherish and preserve Japanese culture and values.

When celebrating Girls' Festival, it is important to fully understand the meaning and background of the event, and to celebrate with gratitude .

Nowadays, with busy schedules, families often have little time to spend together, but the Girls' Festival is a rare opportunity for families to come together .

It is important that on this day, you take the time to reaffirm your family bonds and warmly watch over your daughter as she grows.



A little trivia




How do you read "Girls' Festival"? What is it called in English?



"Peach Festival" is pronounced "momonosekku."
In English it is called "Girls' Day" or "Doll's Festival."

It is sometimes officially called the "Peach Festival," but is more commonly known as "Girls' Day."




What is another name for the Peach Festival?



It is also called "Girl's Festival" or "Jōmi no Sekku."


The legend of peaches and immortality



In ancient Chinese legend, peaches were said to have the power to grant immortality.
I can imagine my family enjoying peaches and talking about how eating peaches will make you healthy and live a long life.

By believing in these legends, the whole family can pray for good health and long life.




Why do peaches ward off evil spirits? Are they a fruit that wards off bad luck and evil spirits?



In ancient China, peaches and flowers were used as a fruit with the power to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, and this custom was passed down to Japan.
It is believed that decorating with peach blossoms will ensure the health and happiness of the family.



  • See a list of stylish Hina dolls




  • As spring approaches, it becomes a season when skin problems are more likely to occur. Be sure to take care of your skin in a way that suits the season and prepare for your commemorative photos for Hinamatsuri.

    Spring is just around the corner! March skin care and anti-aging care


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