What is Hinamatsuri? A tradition and way to celebrate the healthy growth of girls
The hectic New Year's holiday is over, and Setsubun and the beginning of spring are upon us.
Seasonal events such as bean throwing and ehomaki are something to look forward to every year.
For families with girls, the next event is Hinamatsuri.
How to spend a fun Hinamatsuri
We will also introduce the history of Hinamatsuri.
---- table of contents ----
Click below to jump
1. A thorough explanation of the history and origins of Hinamatsuri!
Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese event held every year on March 3rd to pray for the healthy growth of girls.
Its history dates back to the Heian period.
Its origins are said to be a game played by children of the nobility at the time called "Hina-asobi."
Originally, it was performed as a ritual to ward off evil spirits, using dolls made of paper or clay.
This custom spread, and gradually an event called "Nagashibina" began, in which dolls are floated down the river to ward off evil.
During the Edo period, the custom of displaying Hina dolls and celebrating became established.
This is because Hina dolls were popular in the samurai society of the time.
This is because it is recognized as a symbol of wishing happiness and health for girls.
Gradually, gorgeous doll decorations became popular,
It became common for ordinary households to display Hina dolls as well.
The number of Hina dolls and how they are displayed also differ depending on the region; five-tiered displays are the norm in the Kanto region, while seven-tiered displays are common in the Kansai region.
Even today, Hinamatsuri is widely celebrated throughout Japan, but the format and display of the dolls has changed over time.
Nowadays, there are many compact and space-saving decorations,
Modern design Hina dolls are gaining popularity.
Even amid these changes, the basic spirit of Hinamatsuri remains
The wish to "pray for the growth and happiness of girls"
It has continued unchanged since ancient times.
2. Why did Hinamatsuri become a girls' day?
The reason why Hinamatsuri has become established as a "girls' day" is closely related to its origins.
Originally, Hinamatsuri was one of the five seasonal festivals known as Joshi no Sekku.
It originated from an ancient Chinese ritual to ward off evil spirits.
During this festival, dolls made from paper and clay are floated down the river to purify the impurities.
It was a custom to pray for health and happiness for the year.
This custom was introduced to Japan and eventually developed into an event to pray for the health of children.
It has become established as a day to celebrate the growth of girls in particular.
In Japan, "Hina-asobi" (playing with dolls), which has been around since the Heian period, became popular among the nobility.
This became the precursor to the Hinamatsuri.
This play not only helps children grow,
It was also considered important as a symbol of peaceful family life.
Therefore, the Hinamatsuri event, which prays for the health and happiness of girls,
It is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Nowadays, Hinamatsuri is not just a celebration of the growth of girls,
It's a seasonal event that the whole family can enjoy together.
For example, families decorate Hina dolls,
By celebrating with traditional food,
It also provides an opportunity to strengthen family bonds.
Thus, the Hinamatsuri
It is a day when the whole family watches over and celebrates the growth of girls .
It is still widely loved today.
3. Detailed explanation of the correct way to decorate Hina dolls! Tips on the correct order to avoid mistakes
The correct procedure for displaying Hina dolls is:
Although there are some differences depending on the region and household, there are some general rules.
First of all, there are two main styles of Hina dolls: "Osho-kazari" and "dan-kazari."
The Imperial Prince and Princess decorations are centered around the Emperor (male doll) and the Empress (female doll),
In addition to these, the most common type of tiered display is one in which dolls such as three court ladies, five musicians, and attendants are arranged in order.
The top tier is where the Emperor and Empress dolls are displayed.
The standard is to place the Emperor on the right and the Empress on the left.
Next, three court ladies are displayed on the second tier.
On the third tier, five dolls holding instruments from the Gonin-bayashi group are lined up.
The fourth tier is where the attendants (guards) are placed, and from the fifth tier onwards, servants and tools are displayed.
As the number of stages increases, the number of items to be placed also increases.
Because the overall look is more luxurious, tiered displays are often chosen for particularly important years.
Tips for decorating Hina dolls:
It is important to "proceed while keeping an eye on the overall balance."
Adjust the position and height of each doll to arrange them to look their best.
Also, when handling dolls, handle them carefully,
It is important to remove the dolls carefully, especially the older ones, as they are more fragile.
Recently, simpler and more space-saving Imperial Prince decorations and modern designs have become popular.
You can choose a style of decoration that suits your home and lifestyle.
4. A thorough explanation of traditional Hinamatsuri dishes! The origins of chirashi sushi and hishimochi rice cakes
Chirashizushi is a traditional dish that is an essential part of the Hinamatsuri festival.
Chirashizushi is a gorgeous dish made with colorful ingredients.
This is a dish suitable for a celebratory meal during the Hinamatsuri festival.
In particular, the choice of ingredients is also meaningful.
Shrimp symbolizes "longevity," lotus root "a bright future," and beans "hard work."
Chirashizushi is a dish that contains messages of hope for a girl's growth and happiness.
Hishimochi rice cakes are also one of the symbolic foods of Hinamatsuri.
Hishimochi is a diamond-shaped rice cake with red, white, and green overlapping colors.
Each color has a deep meaning.
Red symbolizes protection from evil, white symbolizes purity, and green symbolizes health.
Layering these three colors is meant to pray for the girl's health and happiness.
Furthermore, clam soup is also an essential dish for the Hinamatsuri.
Clam shells are considered a symbol of marital harmony because they fit together perfectly.
It is a wish that the girl will be blessed with a good partner in the future.
By having fun making it together as a family,
You can spend a special time during the Hinamatsuri.
5. The origin of Hinaarare and homemade recipes! Enjoy traditional sweets at home
Hina arare is a traditional sweet that is an essential part of the Doll's Festival.
The origin of Hina Arare comes from the idea that it is something to take outside with the Hina dolls and enjoy while feeling the spring breeze.
Different variations can be seen in Kanto and Kansai.
In the Kanto region, sweet sugar-coated rice snacks are common.
It is characterized by its brightly colored hail, which comes in white, pink, and green.
On the other hand, in the Kansai region, arare seasoned with soy sauce or salt is the norm.
The colors of Hina Arare also have meanings, with pink symbolizing "life," white "purity," and green "health."
You can also easily make Hina Arare at home.
The popped rice is coated with melted sugar syrup,
Add your desired color and let it cool and harden to finish.
Making it with your children will strengthen the bond between family members and create a special moment.
Chirashi sushi recipe
【material】
- Sushi rice (4 cups of warm rice)
- Sushi vinegar (80ml vinegar, 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons salt)
- Sashimi fish (salmon, tuna, etc.)
- 1 cucumber
- Kinshi Tamago (2 eggs, 1 teaspoon sugar, a little salt)
- 4 shiitake mushrooms (boiled with 1 tablespoon each of sugar, soy sauce, and mirin)
- Pickled ginger, green beans, seaweed (appropriate amount)
【How to make】
1. Mix rice with sushi vinegar to make sushi rice.
2. Cut the cucumber into thin strips, and for the shredded egg, beat the eggs, add sugar and salt, fry thinly, and then cut into small pieces.
3. Cut the fish for sashimi into appropriate sizes.
4. Place the sushi rice in a bowl and top with colorful ingredients.
5. Finally, garnish with shredded egg, pickled ginger, and nori seaweed to complete.
Hinamatsuri cake recipe
【material】
- Sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 200ml fresh cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 10 strawberries
- Strawberries, fruits (kiwi, orange, etc.) for decoration
【How to make】
1. Add sugar to the cream and whip until stiff.
2. Spread the whipped cream from step 1 on top of the sponge cake and arrange the cut strawberries on top.
3. Spread more whipped cream on top and add another layer of sponge cake.
4. Spread whipped cream over the entire cake and decorate with your favorite fruits.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
6. Explaining the roles of the Emperor and Empress! What is the meaning of the main dolls of Hinamatsuri?
The Emperor (male doll) and the Empress (female doll) are the main characters of the Hinamatsuri.
These dolls are modeled after the imperial court of the Heian period and represent the Emperor and Empress.
By decorating with the Emperor and Empress dolls as the centerpiece, not only will you be able to see the growth of your daughter,
It is meant to pray for the prosperity and happiness of the family.
Generally, the Emperor and Empress dolls are placed on the top tier, and nowadays the Emperor and Empress dolls are placed on the right and the Empress dolls on the left.
In the past, they were arranged in reverse, and the arrangement has changed over time and region,
It has a symbolic meaning that the male doll protects the female doll.
Recently, simple and easy-to-decorate Imperial Prince and Princess decorations have become popular.
It features a compact size and modern design.
These Hina dolls are made with respect for tradition,
You can enjoy it in line with your modern lifestyle.
A simple and stylish display of Hina dolls [Kano Hina]
7. 2025 Hinamatsuri Event Information! Featured Events and Locations Nationwide
Various Hinamatsuri events are planned across Japan for 2025.
From traditional events to events with a modern twist,
There are plenty of events for families and tourists to enjoy.
For example, the traditional floating dolls at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto,
Unique regional events, such as the Hanging Doll Festival in Inatori Onsen, Shizuoka Prefecture, are gaining popularity.
It's also a good season to go on a trip.
Also, Hina doll decoration workshops will be held in various places,
It would be a great experience for parents and children to participate together.
Trends for 2025 include an increase in sustainable Hina dolls and eco-friendly events.
Through these events that families can participate in,
Come experience a new way to enjoy Hinamatsuri, incorporating traditional and modern elements.
8. Enjoy Hinamatsuri in a modern way! Recommended decoration items
Customize your Hinamatsuri. See all Hina dolls, tapestries, and flower decorations.
In recent years, modern styles of celebrating Hinamatsuri have been gaining attention.
In addition to traditional Hina dolls, decorations that incorporate modern interior design and art are popular.
In particular, simple and stylish modern Hina dolls and display stands made of wood or acrylic are popular, especially among urban households.
Additionally, modern productions using digital art and projection mapping have been gaining attention recently.
By incorporating modern Hinamatsuri decoration items,
You can enjoy new styles while preserving tradition .
Create an original Hinamatsuri that the whole family can enjoy.
The most popular Hina doll is the navy blue male doll [Kanae Hina].
9. A thorough explanation of the best time to display Hina dolls! Learn the origins and the best days
The best time to display Hina dolls is
Traditionally, it is considered ideal to decorate after the beginning of spring (February 4th) .
This is a remnant of the Hinamatsuri festival on the lunar calendar.
It is meant to pray for the health and happiness of the family.
Also, decorating on February 29th is sometimes avoided as it is considered a "double whammy," but many families today don't really care about it.
There are also superstitions about when to put away the Hina dolls.
It is said that if you do not put away the dolls after Hinamatsuri, you will "delay your marriage," but the most important thing is to treat the dolls with care .
Hinamatsuri is a special event that families enjoy while praying for the growth of girls.
While responding flexibly to the lifestyle of each family,
It is important to preserve the important parts of tradition .
10. DIY Hinamatsuri decorations! Easy-to-make handmade ideas
A simple and stylish display of Hina dolls [Kano Hina]
Recently, DIY Hinamatsuri decorations have become popular.
For example, there are many easy ideas, such as making the Emperor and Empress dolls out of origami or decorating an entire room with handmade Hinamatsuri garlands.
These DIY projects are fun for even the little ones to enjoy and are a great activity for celebrating Hinamatsuri with the whole family.
You can also add a touch of festive charm to your dining table by incorporating handmade decorations, such as paper plates and coasters with Hinamatsuri-themed designs.
The handmade decorations in particular create an original and warm atmosphere for the Hinamatsuri.
It will be a memorable event.
This website also contains information on how to enjoy and think about Hinamatsuri, so
Please feel free to use this as a reference.
Furakoko Hina Dolls and May Dolls
"Let's review how to enjoy Hinamatsuri! Introducing its origins and recommended foods"
Please use this as a reference and enjoy a Hinamatsuri that suits your home.
11. Chirashizushi recipe! A gorgeous dish perfect for Hinamatsuri
Chirashizushi is one of the sumptuous dishes that is an essential part of the Hinamatsuri celebratory meal.
Chirashizushi is characterized by its vibrant and colorful appearance, and is made with colorful ingredients such as shrimp, lotus root, and shredded egg.
You can customize it to suit your family's tastes.
Recently, seafood chirashi sushi topped with plenty of sashimi and healthy versions that incorporate lots of vegetables have also become popular.
You can also get creative with how you arrange the food.
For example, you can use heart or star shapes to arrange the food in a cute way.
It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as serving it individually in individual cups.
Make your own original chirashi sushi that the whole family can enjoy together and make this a special Hinamatsuri.
12. Summary | How to enjoy Hinamatsuri and pass on the tradition to the next generation
Hinamatsuri is an important event to celebrate the growth of girls and is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family bonds.
By preserving tradition while incorporating modern ways to enjoy it, everyone in the family can feel the joy, meaning, and memories of Hinamatsuri deep in their hearts.
Let's continue to cherish the traditions of Hinamatsuri and have fun together.
Stylish Hina doll display case [Brown glass case, Mikuni Hina]
How to read Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day), how to express it in kanji and English
"Doll Festival" is pronounced "Hinamatsuri."
In kanji, it is written as "Hinamatsuri."
In English, it is called "Doll Festival" or "Girl's Day."
Hina Matsuri is also known as "Hina Matsuri" in English-speaking countries and is introduced as a part of Japanese culture.
When is the Hinamatsuri Festival? Differences between the Hinamatsuri and the lunar calendar
Hinamatsuri is celebrated every year on March 3rd, which corresponds to April in the lunar calendar .
The Hinamatsuri festival according to the lunar calendar falls around the beginning of March today.
Nowadays, it is common to celebrate it on March 3rd of the Gregorian calendar.
Hinamatsuri dolls and how to celebrate them
Dolls are displayed on Hinamatsuri in hopes of girls' growth and happiness.
Generally, peach blossoms are also displayed along with the Hina dolls.
Ways to celebrate include family meals and
There is a party with relatives invited, and it is an event where girls are the main focus.
The Hinamatsuri Festival and its Meaning
Hinamatsuri is one of the five seasonal festivals and is also known as "Joshi no Sekku."
Seasonal festivals are events to celebrate the change of seasons .
Hinamatsuri is a festival that celebrates the growth of girls in particular.
On this day, special events are held to pray for good health and happiness.
Hinamatsuri is the perfect time to "develop your daughter's heart"
Furthermore, Hinamatsuri is very helpful in nurturing children's minds.
It is important to use it for seasonal celebrations and events with your family,
If parents are conscious of celebrating Hinamatsuri as an opportunity to "educate their children's hearts," it will also help to develop rich hearts in their children.
"Girl's Festival" is a time for parents to learn how to "nurture the hearts" of their daughters.
This article is supported by the following cooperating companies who provide the content:
Japan's largest business media outlet providing practical know-how
