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Hinamatsuri is a wonderful day to connect and spend time with families and friends. It’s a day when we come together to celebrate not only the growth and happiness of children but also to wish for the health and well-being of everyone we hold dear. Whether it’s through shared meals, meaningful traditions, or the simple act of being together, this festival reminds us of the importance of love, support, and the blessing that surrounds us!
Hinamatsuri: A Japanese Tradition
By Honoka Uchiya; Photos by Honoka Uchiya
Introduction
Hinamatsuri, or the Doll’s Festival, is a special day that has long been celebrated and passed down from generation to generation as one of Japan's traditional festivals. It is a day of celebration to wish for the happiness and healthy growth of girls!
What Do We Do to Celebrate?
It is customary to decorate the house with hina dolls and peach blossoms to create a girlish and colorful space. The family and relatives celebrate with a feast around the dolls to wish for the girl's good health and happy growth. People eat dishes such as Chirashis sushi (scattered sushi), clam soup, and hina-arare (sweet rice crackers) for their well-being. Beyond wishing for good fortune, Sakura mochi, a springtime Japanese sweet, and strawberry-filled cakes are also popular, adding a festive and girly touch to the celebration. In some areas, it is customary to drink amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink) to pray for longevity. Additionally, families may take commemorative photos or visit a jinja (shrine).
The Meaning Behind the Hina Dolls
Hina dolls are displayed in homes to wish for good health, happiness, and good relationships in the future. In the past, when the infant mortality rate was high, people believed that only gods knew whether or not a child could grow up safely. To protect their children, people placed a doll beside them, believing that the dolls would absorb impurities and misfortune. This has changed over time, and other festivities have joined the hina-matsuri, resulting in its current form today. As a result, Hina dolls are more than decorations; they are filled with the wishes and hopes of parents for their children to grow healthy and happy.
What Do the Dishes Symbolize?
Each dish served during Hinamatsruri carries a special meaning. With different ingredients and colors chosen, each dish brings good fortune. For example, the colors of Hishi Mochi each represent a different wish—pink for health, white for protection from evil spirits, and green for prosperity and respect for ancestors. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared to bless girls with happiness and a bright future. Let’s explore the deeper meanings behind these traditional festival foods!
- Hishi Mochi
Not only the color, but the shape also holds significance. The rhombus shape is inspired by the water caltrop, known as Hishi no Mi in Japanese. This fruit is believed to ward off evil and symbolize fertility, making it a wish for prosperous offspring, good health, and future children
- Hina Arare
Hina Arare, or sweet rice cracker, has the same color as Hishi Mochi. Each color of pink, white, and green represents an amulet, respect for ancestors, affluent children, and good health, respectively.
- Chirashi Sushi
Each ingredient in Chirashi Sushi has a symbolic meaning, too; for example, the shrimp symbolizes longevity as it curls like an elderly person's bent back. Furthermore, the lotus root means foreseeing the future, Kinshi Tamago (shredded egg crepe) for financial prosperity, carrots signify a strong foundation in life, and beans represent diligence and hard work.
Through these meaningful dishes, Hinamatsuri becomes more than a celebration, but a heartfelt wish for girls' happiness and a bright future.
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