Japan Dolls Festival 2024 (Japan): Observed annually on March 3, the Japan Dolls Festival (Hinamatsuri), alternatively referred to as the “doll festival” or “momo no sekku (peach festival),” is a distinctive and traditional Japanese celebration. Despite regional variations in customs, this festival is conducted primarily to honor female children, which is a fundamental principle without deviation.
For these reasons, peach blossoms are indispensable to this celebration as they are considered harbingers of spring. The day also includes decorating houses, setting up adorable figurines, and, of course, preparing festive food. As celebrations progress, they now incorporate the recognition of women of every age. What else do they do to celebrate this enjoyable day? Detailed below.
Japanese families recite prayers for their young daughters’ health, happiness, and prosperity on Hinamatsuri. It is one of the five seasonal celebrations, or sekku, in Japan. Sekku celebrations occur on the first day of the first month, the third day of the third month, the fifth day of the fifth month, and so forth. The third sekku festival, Hinamatsuri, is observed annually on March 3.
Japan Dolls Festival History
Hinamatsuri, like numerous different Japanese festivals and customs, can be traced back several millennia. Originally known as the Peach Festival, the occasion was convened during the height of the peach trees’ blossoming season. Dolls continue to be a significant component of Hinamatsuri, as they have been for centuries.
A similar gathering was conducted during the Heian Period (794–1185) to beseech for good fortune. In the belief that placing straw or paper dolls on rafts and propelling them down the river would ward off evil entities or catastrophes, this practice was observed. The exhibition of these figurines in domestic settings commenced during the Edo Period (1603–1868).
In the sixteenth century, in Japan, the practice of showcasing dolls on platforms adorned with a crimson-colored fabric originated when Princess Okiko, the progeny of Emperor Go-Mizuno, ventured to engage with a custom-made depiction of dolls.
In 1687, upon ascending to the throne, Empress Meisho endorsed Hinamatsuri. Since then, artisans from every region of Japan have crafted Hina figurines in observance of the occasion; this practice continues to this day.
The government eventually reintroduced Hinamatsuri after new holidays replaced it, emphasizing the emperor’s imagined connection to the people during the Meiji period.
It represented Japanese values and objectives through its emphasis on families and matrimony and the perception that the figurines represented the emperor and empress. Additionally, it fostered admiration and reverence for the monarch. Although the Japanese diaspora disseminated the holiday to other nations, its scope remains restricted to Japanese immigrant communities and their progeny.
Families organize gatherings at their residences leading up to March 3 to exhibit their creations. Typically, Japanese festivals are public assemblies featuring street vendors, artwork, marches, dances, and pyrotechnics. Hinamatsuri is mostly observed in a household with close family and friends, but traditional gatherings continue nationwide.
The most well-known aspect of this festival is the figurines. The Heian period served as inspiration for the clothing, which could be elaborate or simple. Early on, as the popularity of these dolls grew, dollmakers produced an increasing number of intricate patterns, some of which were quite valuable and costly. Thus, tiers were implemented to prevent children from obtaining the more expensive figurines. The doll exhibition progressed and became increasingly ornate.
Individuals of Japanese descent currently observe this festival all over the world. Little females are encouraged to throw parties and devour festive sweets and foods in the days preceding the festival. Girlish households prominently feature figurines, while peach blossoms adorn the interior design. Presently, an increasing number of households have adopted the practice of honoring all women. However, once the festival concludes, the figurines are stored away until the following year.
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Japan Dolls Festival 2024 (Japan) FAQs
What becomes of figurines following the festival?
Historically, it was customary to observe the figurines the day following Hinamatsuri, as their absence would have signified that the daughter would enter into matrimony belatedly. However, some households might retain them throughout the entire month of March.
Which Hinamatsuri is priced the highest?
The cost of Hina doll displays exhibits significant variation contingent upon the number of dolls and tiers present. Although the most prevalent sets cost approximately 200,000 yen, the most costly sets can cost over one million yen. The entire exhibition consists of fifteen figurines assembled in seven tiers, accompanied by a miniature showcase of the empress’s dowry furnishings.
What do female guests wear to Hinamatsuri?
On this day, girls visit shrines wearing hifus, which are cape-like garments worn over brightly colored kimonos.
Japan Dolls Festival 2024 (Japan) Activities
Explore Japan
In Chiba, Japan, the Katsuura City Art and Cultural Exchange Center showcases an estimated 8,000 Hina figurines. It is a highly recommended option for individuals seeking to gain an experiential understanding of the festival.
Honor the female members of your family.
Appreciate the feminine members of your family. Honor them with refreshments and presents.
Japan is a culinary destination worth visiting.
In Japan, food plays a significant role in Hinamatsuri celebrations. In honor of the Japan Dolls Festival, savor a traditional Japanese dish.
Five Interesting Facts Regarding Hinamatsuri
City of Dolls: Iwatsuki
Each year, the leading doll-producing district of Japan holds a Machikado Hina Meguri—Touring the Streets of Hina Dolls—event, with over fifty stores selling an assortment of figurines.
Doll-decorating a municipality
The residents of Katsuura City, Chiba, Japan, observe the ‘Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri’ festival, where they adorn the entire city with an estimated
Exclusive celebration for females
In the past, boys did not observe Hinamatsuri because a ‘Boy’s Day’ was observed a few days later; this day is now known as ‘Children’s Day’ and people observe it annually on May 5
Prearranged and straightforward designs
The demand for solitary, compact sets of dolls already arranged in glass cases has increased in recent years.
The meaning that the figurines convey
The primary dolls, typically referred to or described as the Emperor and Empress of Japan, display a resemblance to a Heian period wedding.
JAPAN DOLLS FESTIVAL DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 3 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | March 3 | Friday |
