When East Meets West: The Hina Doll Festival | cnbnews.net
Friday, March 02, 2012
cnbnews.net
The Hina Doll Festival , which is also called the Girls'Festival or Peach Festival, is observed on March 3. This is a festival to wish for the health , growth and happy marriages of young girls. Dolls in ancient costumes are displayed on tiers of shelves covered by bright red cloth. These dolls represent the emperor and empress, their nobie court ladies-in-waiting and ministers.
Note: Hank is a former resident of Gloucester City who resides in Kitakyushu City, Japan. category WHEN EAST MEETS WEST
The Hina Doll Festival , which is also called the Girls'Festival or Peach Festival, is observed on March 3. This is a festival to wish for the health , growth and happy marriages of young girls. Dolls in ancient costumes are displayed on tiers of shelves covered by bright red cloth. These dolls represent the emperor and empress, their nobie court ladies-in-waiting and ministers.
The Doll Festival dates from midieval times, but it was not untilthe 18th century that the custom of displaying dolls came into fashion.The dolls are usually on display for about a week,but it is customary to put them away soon after March 3 because leaving them out for a long time is said to delay a daughter's marriage.
If you ever get the chance to visit Japan at this time of the year,make it a point to get out of the big city of Tokyo and into the countryside.Then you'll have the opportunity to see not only the Hina Doll Festival ,but do some" Peach Blossom Viewing."It's One of the most Beautiful times of the year followed by "Cherry Blossom Viewing",that takes place in early April.
Warm Regards and Best Wishes from Sunny Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka ,Japan
Hank F. Miller Jr.