Girls' Day Again

There is a tradition in Japan called Hina Matsuri, which is Dolls' Festival, or perhaps what is better known as Girls' Day.  It is a  day (today, March 3rd) to celebrate the growing up and continued happiness of a young girl.

One of the customs is that a family with girl(s) would have a display of dolls arranged on a seven tiered platform in hierarchial order.  At the very top are the Emperor and Empress. Then, moving along down the  display are three court ladies, five musicians, two ministers and last but not least three servants.  Also on various tiers there is furniture (chests, lamps, tables, dishes) and accessories related to each figure.  Knowing this, I decided many years ago to assemble a set from paper, which was a time consuming but extremely fun project.

I also remember very well the small party thrown for the occasion.  It was a fun time and a memorable night when I met one of my favorite friends.  Anyway, every year since then (with the exception of last year), we have brought them back out for display.  They're really a lovely sight to behold.

The Hina Matsuri set in its entirety.

The Emperor, Empress and three ladies of the court.

There is also a boys' day, but that bears no interest for me at all, and is duly not celebrated.