Celebrating Little Girls: Hina-Matsuri

Heather_author_pic.jpgOn the third day of the third month, it is traditional in Japan to celebrate Hina-matsuri, or Girls’ Day — a day for wishing all little girls health, growth and happiness. My parents were lucky enough to welcome a daughter into the world (me!) on this day, a strong sign of good fortune. I spoke to some Japanese friends, Ema and Eri, and they were kind enough to teach me about the holiday and share their experiences with hina-matsuri.

The Japanese have a unique tradition: a girl is given a set of hina-ningyo (dolls), which at minimum include an emperor and empress, and depending on the family can have many more complementary dolls that form a court for the royal couple. The dolls represent the successes that every family wishes for their little girls and little rice cakes and sweet sake are made for the holiday.

Hinamatsuri_All_1.jpg

These beautiful dolls sit on stands that can have up to seven tiers. The emperor and empress always sit at the top and the subsequent steps are reserved for the court ladies, musicians, ministers and servants. Photo by opencontent on Flickr.

 

Hina-matsuri doll sets are passed down through generations. It’s possible to still find the traditional handmade dolls, though they are mostly mass-produced today. The most famous Japanese doll shop, Maruhei, operated at its prime in the late 1800s in Kyoto. The dolls are dressed in traditional Heian period costume (794-1185 A.D.) and the empress’s robe may include up to twelve layers of fine fabric! Traditionally the faces and hands are ceramic and details are hand-painted.

Hinamatsuri_Maruhei.jpg

Hina-ningyo by Maruhei. Photo by asianartbykyoto

Ema_hina_small2.jpgEma was kind enough to send a photo of her hina-ningyo, a wooden set of hand-carved miniatures, which are shown on the right. As time has passed, the traditional sets with many tiers have become too expensive and too large for most Japanese homes. Today, a typical set will include only the emperor and empress.

One more custom of hina-matsuri, though less popular, is a Chinese-rooted practice of hina-nagashi, or “doll floating.” Small paper dolls are released down rivers to carry bad spirits away. The beautiful photo below shows the custom in effect.

hinamatsuri_floating.jpg

Photo by furyu_man18 on Flickr

Eri tells me that the Girls’ Day is less and less recognized today, especially because a national holiday celebrating all children has been established in May. Still, what a wonderful way to celebrate daughters!

hinamatsuri_mini_dolls.jpghinamatsuri_peach.jpghinamatsuri_Paper_Doll.jpg

You can find lots of items related to the hina-matsuri holiday on Etsy. On the left is a mini hina-matsuri set by CocoWasabi, housed in a ceramic peach, which is a symbol of Girls’ Day. Next is a lovely hairpiece made from vintage kimonos and silk peach blossoms by AtelierKanawa that is meant to be worn on this holiday. Finally, you could float this intricate origami paper doll by UmeOrigami, or on second thought — keep it — it’s too pretty to let go!

 

   Shop Local: Japan | Read About Seijin-shiki, Japanese Coming of Age Day

Japanese-Related Posts | More Holiday Posts

  • moosomething

    moosomething says:

    Awww, thank you for sharing. I had no idea about this day!! How wonderful.

    2 years ago

  • thelightningbolts

    thelightningbolts says:

    aww, my best friend is Japanese and a few months ago she moved back to Niigata. I miss her so much!! This post cheered me and reminded me to wish her a great hina-matsuri. Domo Arigato etsy xx

    2 years ago

  • paramountvintage

    paramountvintage says:

    what a wonderful celebration.

    2 years ago

  • paulajeansgarden

    paulajeansgarden says:

    Happy birthday. I love the floating doll tradition. Really beautiful image choices and items for the article.

    2 years ago

  • rosebudshome

    rosebudshome says:

    What a lovely thing to celebrate girls on girls day more countries need to do that

    2 years ago

  • LetsAllMakeBelieve

    LetsAllMakeBelieve says:

    The doll floating photo is so beautiful! What cool holiday :)

    2 years ago

  • YellowViolet

    YellowViolet says:

    So nice to hear about a culture who celebrates, supports and encourages their girls! We need more of that kind of thing. The items you picked are wonderful. All in all a great post - thanks for sharing!

    2 years ago

  • botodesigns

    botodesigns says:

    wonderful article! Thanks for sharing! I lived in Nara, a very traditional part of Japan, and it was always so beautiful to see the ceremonies, costumes and decorations associated with the Japanese holidays.

    2 years ago

  • mythunderstood

    mythunderstood says:

    nice collection gathered - very pretty

    2 years ago

  • laurelinsailor

    laurelinsailor says:

    What a wonderful tradition! Thanks for sharing.

    2 years ago

  • humblebea

    humblebea says:

    What a sweet holiday! Thank you for sharing! (-:

    2 years ago

  • LadySpider

    LadySpider says:

    Amazing - I never knew this! I launched my business today, the 3rd, and my felt creatures and most of my artwork is inspired by Japanese culture! This makes me happy :) India

    2 years ago

  • LisaFerinDesigns

    LisaFerinDesigns says:

    What a beautiful celebration! I love the photo of those lanterns. Thanks for sharing this article Heather, and Happy Birthday!

    2 years ago

  • pearlsquiltedcrafts

    pearlsquiltedcrafts says:

    Wow! Great Japanese craft selection from beautiful Japan!

    2 years ago

  • BululuStudio

    BululuStudio says:

    Beautiful crafts.

    2 years ago

  • candacejean

    candacejean says:

    Oh my.. you've read my mind and spoken to my heart with the post of this article! I secretly wish to have a little girl next. *Cough*. I took Japanese in High School also, and have such a deep admiration for the culture in Japan. I'm dying to go there someday. Thanks for the great post, cute topic and good finds!

    2 years ago

  • CatskillsTreasure

    CatskillsTreasure says:

    That's very interesting tradition. Thank you, Heather, for sharing it with us

    2 years ago

  • whiletheyplay

    whiletheyplay says:

    oh how this makes me miss my grandmother! she brought many special dolls back to me and my sister from her family visits to Japan. I even have a Japanese Christening gown sent from my Great Aunt in Japan whom after I was given my middle name, Michiko. i remember gazing at all of the special family trinkets in my granmother's glass cabinet and dreaming of visiting all of her family in Japan one day. she died nearly 15 years ago. i miss her but i will ALWAYS have her special gifts to remember her by! and the dream of one day visiting her relatives. thank for the lovely article. it's beautiful and meant so much to me!

    2 years ago

  • sweetsmilesbaby

    sweetsmilesbaby says:

    My daughter is a march birthday and this was the theme for her 2nd birthday. It was so pretty with cherry blossoms, origami stars and kokeshi dolls. Wish I had known about Etsy back then, I had a hard time finding what I needed for the party. I would have loved a little kimono for her.

    2 years ago

  • jenwins

    jenwins says:

    Happy Birthday! It's my birthday today too x

    2 years ago

  • helenaemmans

    helenaemmans says:

    lovely article. I particularly like the lanterns on the water, very gentle.

    2 years ago

  • BlueCrushBeads

    BlueCrushBeads says:

    Beautiful!

    2 years ago

  • craftscafe

    craftscafe says:

    Happy Birthday Heather!

    2 years ago

  • munieca

    munieca says:

    wonderful!!! Happy Girl's day!!!

    2 years ago

  • MoonBead805

    MoonBead805 says:

    What a beautiful tradition! Thank you for a great article.

    2 years ago

  • tomatored

    tomatored says:

    what a lovely tradition!

    2 years ago

  • YuraPockylover

    YuraPockylover says:

    learnt another new thing today ^^

    2 years ago

  • noodlefo

    noodlefo says:

    My office colleagues and friends in Hawaii celebrate Girls Day in small ways--pretty notes, flowers, treats--in appreciation of one another. It's a truly lovely way to celebrate one another.

    2 years ago

  • bertiescloset

    bertiescloset says:

    brings back memories. thank you! @botodesigns - i went to nara where the deer come and nibble food from open palms. v. jealous you lived there!

    2 years ago

  • StelmaDesigns

    StelmaDesigns says:

    Thank you for that interesting article! What a sweet tradition and so artful. I bet the dolls are so beautiful!

    2 years ago

  • bysweetmom

    bysweetmom says:

    great tradition

    2 years ago

  • RubyStudios

    RubyStudios says:

    Wow, this was almost a tear-jerker. Thank you for sharing a beautiful custom celebrating one of our most precious resources. They look so colorful and precious in the photo. You're right, that wonderful origami doll is too pretty to let go! The glowing river is surreal. Thanks again.

    2 years ago

  • bylynnkrestel

    bylynnkrestel says:

    someone once gave me an origami paper doll.. they are so beautiful. thank you for the wonderful article!

    2 years ago

  • buttercupbloom

    buttercupbloom says:

    Oh I love this. Thank you for writing about such a special tradition. xo

    2 years ago

  • soule

    soule says:

    this is great! I had no idea either! I'm going to tell my daughter about it

    2 years ago

  • thebirchperch

    thebirchperch says:

    I read this article and immediately went and gave my 4 year old daughter a special cuddle. There is nothing in the world like the gift of a daughter. What a great thing to celebrate. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful holiday.

    2 years ago

  • foxmountain

    foxmountain says:

    love the floating lanterns, the glowing river, too.

    2 years ago

  • lorilooms

    lorilooms says:

    I love this! I spent somt time in Tokyo and just absolutely adored it - Wonderful article ;)

    2 years ago

  • MinceCo

    MinceCo says:

    happy birthday heather! thanks for the article

    2 years ago

  • FullThrottleGypsy

    FullThrottleGypsy says:

    What a beautiful article and tradition. Everything in the realated items is absolutely wonderful. Thank you for sharing this most magical day! Happy BirthdaY:)

    2 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    I never knew about this holiday! Happy Birthday Heather! what a delightful way to celebrate and I just love all those beautifully detailed Japanese ornaments! thank you! (don't drink tooo much sake :)

    2 years ago

  • BellGallery

    BellGallery says:

    Just gorgeous! I love the culture.

    2 years ago

  • sewdat

    sewdat says:

    I love learning about japanese culture! Great article! I have a coin pouch in my shop that has japanese umbrellas on it!

    2 years ago

  • girltuesdayjewelry

    girltuesdayjewelry says:

    What a beautiful tradition! The photos in this article are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing this and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

    2 years ago

  • maggiemaevintage

    maggiemaevintage says:

    What a beautiful tradition. What brilliantly beautiful picks!

    2 years ago

  • EJPcreations

    EJPcreations says:

    Great Article!!! Happy Birthday!!!

    2 years ago

  • 1920

    1920 says:

    love the dolls.

    2 years ago

  • sushibooties

    sushibooties says:

    AWESOME! so glad for etsy educating people on other cultures and holidays! Great Collection and great Holiday!

    2 years ago

  • IndieCreations

    IndieCreations says:

    What a beautiful tradition! I happened to come across this article from the Portland Japanese Garden, also about this holiday, if anyone is interested: http://www.japanesegarden.com/culture/2010/02/the-doll-festival

    2 years ago

  • SiuTing1108

    SiuTing1108 says:

    love japanese culture~~

    2 years ago

  • SiuTing1108

    SiuTing1108 says:

    love japanese culture~~

    2 years ago

  • Tessella

    Tessella says:

    aww, those little girls are so cute. and the dolls are fantastic, what a great tradition. and happy birthday Heather, hope you have had a great day.

    2 years ago

  • aquacitrine

    aquacitrine says:

    what a wonderful article! happy birthday to you! love the beautiful pictures, especially the kimono flowers!

    2 years ago

  • CarolineUnderwood

    CarolineUnderwood says:

    And for older girls, it's International Women's Day on 8th March!

    2 years ago

  • hankietankie

    hankietankie says:

    thank you for writing on such a great topic, love the photography & cute pics!

    2 years ago

  • VanessaAdmin

    Vanessa says:

    Thanks for sharing!

    2 years ago

  • PoiemaDesigns

    PoiemaDesigns says:

    Wow, I love this tradition! I often find myself wanting to adopt various traditions from cultures other than my own, and this would definitely be on that list if I ever have a daughter. What a beautiful holiday.

    2 years ago

  • rainpeople

    rainpeople says:

    love AtelierKanawa's stunning silk hair clips! wonderful story, thank you!

    2 years ago

  • peaseblossomstudio

    peaseblossomstudio says:

    I love this! And for anyone who wants to learn more about Japanese dolls, there is a wonderful children's fiction book called "Little Plum" by Rumer Godden. Absolutely fascinating!

    2 years ago

  • elseseven

    elseseven says:

    I love living in Japan. LOVE it! Am hoping for a little girl one day, so we can celebrate Hinamatsuri.

    2 years ago

  • shecological

    shecological says:

    cho kawaii desu!!!!!!!!! arigato gozaimasu!!!!

    2 years ago

  • MyJunkyTrunk

    MyJunkyTrunk says:

    Really beautiful!!!

    2 years ago

  • janecatonart

    janecatonart says:

    I lived in Japan for a year, teaching english and I just loved everything about it! I remember this special day for girls and my schoolgirl pupils telling me all about it. It was also so sweet "kawaii" to see all the little girls dressed in their kimonos on special days. When I was back in the UK and my daughter was born, one of my lovely lady students sent me the most beautiful little girl's kimono which we still treasure, even though my daughter is now 16! A great post - thanks for reminding me of all that is beautiful in Japan!

    2 years ago

  • paisleybaby

    paisleybaby says:

    So beautiful!

    2 years ago

  • craftpile

    craftpile says:

    A little girl holiday..how sweet is that? Thank you for sharing!

    2 years ago

  • ArtisticIntentions

    ArtisticIntentions says:

    how fun! Beautiful items!

    2 years ago

  • MyJunkyTrunk

    MyJunkyTrunk says:

    Here's my tribute to beautiful Asian women everywhere! Thanks again for posting such a wonderful article! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41942767

    2 years ago

  • love4rocks

    love4rocks says:

    A beautiful tradition and celebration. The dolls are very pretty.

    2 years ago

  • meoneil

    meoneil says:

    Thius is such a lovely celebration. My son has loved in Saigon Vietnam for 3 years and they celebrate Women's Day there with much more pagentry than they do here!

    2 years ago

  • kadlubik

    kadlubik says:

    happy celebrating!

    2 years ago

  • kadlubik

    kadlubik says:

    happy celebrating!

    2 years ago

  • KamiMono

    KamiMono says:

    Thanks for bringing light to such a beautiful day! Go Ume Origami!

    2 years ago

  • marylaure

    marylaure says:

    Hi there - my sister was born on March 3! I just posted about her birthday on my blog and linked to this post: http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2010/03/celine-at-30.html

    2 years ago

  • UmeOrigami

    UmeOrigami says:

    Thank you so much for featuring one of my dolls today! Hina Matsuri holds a special place in my heart after living in Japan. I love the fact that Etsy can appreciate and feature other cultures as well! Happy Girl's Day/ Hina Matsuri Everybody!

    2 years ago

  • ShihoYamashita

    ShihoYamashita says:

    It's a very lovely tradition we have in Japan. When I was in Japan, I helped my mom display the dolls in the living room for Hinamatsuri. Even after my sister and I grew up and left home, my mom would put up the doll display for Hinamatsuri every year!

    2 years ago

  • ScribbleShop

    ScribbleShop says:

    I want to be a little girl again!

    2 years ago

  • OpulentOddities

    OpulentOddities says:

    This is so sweet and darling.

    2 years ago

  • neveralone

    neveralone says:

    as a little girl growing up in japan, i loved this day because we would have the hina matsuri dolls set up just like one of the first pics with the whole display of 15 or so dolls. Our teachers at school would sometimes give us candy and everyone just seemed happy. memories dear to my heart...

    2 years ago

  • earlybirdcreations

    earlybirdcreations says:

    What a beautiful tradition!

    2 years ago

  • StitchnStudio

    StitchnStudio says:

    A wonderful reason to celebrate. Very pretty picks.

    2 years ago

  • polkadotmagpie

    polkadotmagpie says:

    What a lovely story. I lived in Japan for a brief time and have a few of the dolls that I bought before I knew what they meant. Nice work.

    2 years ago

  • accentonvintage

    accentonvintage says:

    What a great tradition. My girls had many dolls from different countries,but to have one from your country to be passed down is so beautiful!

    2 years ago

  • NorthviewJewels

    NorthviewJewels says:

    What a wonderful tradition to celebrate our girls. May they have a happy and prosperous Hina-Matsuri! :)

    2 years ago

  • thefortunateoak

    thefortunateoak says:

    such a perfect tradition! i adore it. <3

    2 years ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    I love Japanese tradition and culture. So amazing!

    2 years ago

  • HBeliveaux

    HBeliveaux says:

    I love this tradition and I am happy that you shared it!

    2 years ago

  • ZhongFuJewelryDesign

    ZhongFuJewelryDesign says:

    I love all these pretty little girl things. I hope my neighbor has a baby girl!

    2 years ago

  • billymac

    billymac says:

    what a lovely tradition and what gorgeous items you've found to accompany your blog. I have 2 little girls and they would gush over that little doll by efiwarsh - so beautiful!

    2 years ago

  • efiwarsh

    efiwarsh says:

    A wonderful reason to celebrate. Thank you for the wonderful article! I am happy to be part of it:) Thanks for sharing.

    2 years ago

  • KazStyle

    KazStyle says:

    I just found this article! wow! Celebrating Hina-matsuri makes me feel spring has come :) Happy Hina-matsuri, everyone!

    2 years ago

  • ClementinesJewelry

    ClementinesJewelry says:

    beuatiful finds!

    2 years ago

  • MagicLace

    MagicLace says:

    What a greate article. Efiwarsh - I love your very much.

    2 years ago

  • LindattiDesigns

    LindattiDesigns says:

    great article! I'm Japanese-American (4th generation) and it's sweet to see cultural traditions recognized here on Etsy.....also Boys' Day is coming up on 5-5 :)

    2 years ago

  • OOwl

    OOwl says:

    great article!

    2 years ago

  • RedFenyx

    RedFenyx says:

    Lovely! I'm half japanese and seing japanese festivities featured here on etsy brings me back in time! Lovely collection too!

    2 years ago

  • fantasTshirts

    fantasTshirts says:

    It's a beautiful celebration. Those little Japanese girl are so adorable and so is efiwars's little princess.

    2 years ago

  • anemonecomms

    anemonecomms says:

    my little girl is only 6 weeks old but what a beautiful tradition! i think i'll start my own interpretation of this sweet holiday for Holly :)

    2 years ago

  • toolisjewelry

    toolisjewelry says:

    Wonderful article! It's seems like an amazing celebration! And that sweet Princess-Kokeshi Doll by Efiwarsh is gorgeous!

    2 years ago

  • toolisjewelry

    toolisjewelry says:

    Wonderful celebration and such a great article! That sweet Princess-Kokeshi Doll by Efiwars is gorgeous!

    2 years ago

  • glorioushats

    glorioushats says:

    So pleased to learn of this lovely tradition. So many wonderful works fit the story. Especially enjoy Efiwarsh dolls.

    2 years ago

  • LizardSkins

    LizardSkins says:

    how beautiful!

    2 years ago

  • SchickiMickis

    SchickiMickis says:

    what a great article, and what a magnificent kokeshi doll,by efi... she has a bunch of them, and they are work of art!

    2 years ago

  • artofjane

    artofjane says:

    How beautiful.

    2 years ago

  • tamra

    tamra says:

    Japan has such a long history of beautiful art and tradition. Thank you for sharing yet another!

    2 years ago

  • HandKnitHugs

    HandKnitHugs says:

    such a wonderful thing to celebrate!

    2 years ago

  • Mimiandlola

    Mimiandlola says:

    What a beautiful tradition!

    2 years ago

  • TheJoyofColor

    TheJoyofColor says:

    What a lovely list, i learnt something today and the Dalls are so amazing !!! all i had as a child was a stupid plastic one i even didn't love

    2 years ago

  • julieandco

    julieandco says:

    This is lovely! Temari is also a traditional gift from mother to daughter in Japan! I love to create these with a modern twist.

    2 years ago

  • VixVintage

    VixVintage says:

    Lovely tradition, thank you.

    2 years ago

  • gitush

    gitush says:

    gorgeous collection!! pretty pretty items....

    2 years ago

  • petragalvan

    petragalvan says:

    this will be a good day

    2 years ago

  • pipandbean

    pipandbean says:

    THANK YOU!!! I loved this!! We have a house full of little girls and this is something we are going to start marking on the calendar every year and celebrating!!!

    2 years ago

  • mykobocek

    mykobocek says:

    I, being half japanese, loved this holiday as a child. My Grandparents and Aunts still living in Japan would send my sister and I the most lovely things. One present I remember the most were these little cookies in the shapes of fruit in a small delicate basket. To me, they were just too pretty to eat...eventually I succumbed, lol!

    2 years ago

  • KristyLynnJewelry

    KristyLynnJewelry says:

    Great items and beautiful colors!!! What a nice tradition!!!

    2 years ago

  • westbyron

    westbyron says:

    now THAT'S the kind of tradition I can get on board with.

    2 years ago

  • StudioCherie

    StudioCherie says:

    Terrific article, Heather. Loved learning about girls day.

    2 years ago

  • veroque

    veroque says:

    Amazing works! The doll is sooooooooo sweet!

    2 years ago

  • bluewhitejewelrywear

    bluewhitejewelrywear says:

    Oh! I love this article! Japan has such wonderful traditions. The items in this collection are just lovely. Thanks...

    2 years ago

  • designlab443

    designlab443 says:

    All those lanterns on the river are so very lovely, but what happens to them, does someone pick them all up at the end or do they pollute the streams? I'm very curious!

    2 years ago

  • orlydesign

    orlydesign says:

    I love this collection so much !!! Princess-Kokeshi by efiwarsh is amazing !

    2 years ago

  • lifeofcolors

    lifeofcolors says:

    What a beautiful festival and thing to celebrate! To bad it's less popular now...

    2 years ago

  • arumehime

    arumehime says:

    i was trying to find stuff for girls day before girls day i wish i could find all this cool stuff then!

    2 years ago

  • HandmadeHandsome

    HandmadeHandsome says:

    Interesting and lovely. I have a little girl around the house and celebrate her every day. Happy Girls Day to all of you in Japan.

    2 years ago

  • WeeBindery

    WeeBindery says:

    Please take a peak at my treasury which I made yesterday in honor of the Japanese culture - "a bit of Japanese" - Treasury West http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=89736

    2 years ago

  • WeeBindery

    WeeBindery says:

    This was very nice! Please take a look at my Treasury which I made yesterday in honor of Japanese culture - Treasury West - "a bit of Japanese" http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=89736

    2 years ago

  • Meikkonen

    Meikkonen says:

    Thats very beautiful - I love to see rich culture from different counties

    2 years ago

  • valentinefiberarts

    valentinefiberarts says:

    I love all these little girls!!! East meets West in this modern Kanzashi Brooch. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41145187

    2 years ago

  • valentinefiberarts

    valentinefiberarts says:

    This is very lovely. I make Kanzashi felt brooches that I bead, quite unique and different than the ones made from silk or fabric. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41145187

    2 years ago

  • polkadotscloud

    polkadotscloud says:

    lovely collection :) I love Japan :)

    2 years ago

  • shopKCQ

    shopKCQ says:

    I'm taking a short holiday to Japan this Sunday - I would have loved to see hinanagashi while I was there.

    2 years ago

  • moonstr

    moonstr says:

    so pretty!

    2 years ago

  • midnightcoiler

    midnightcoiler says:

    Lovely Japanese theme and inspired items!

    2 years ago

  • MoMuertos

    MoMuertos says:

    I knew about boy's day, but not girl's day. Lovely! Thanks for the shot of culture. <3

    2 years ago

  • littlelily

    littlelily says:

    What a great article! I can't wait to read this to my daughter and thank you for including my shoes!

    2 years ago

  • artefyk

    artefyk says:

    Very interesting and great article!! Efiwarsh, your doll is OOAK!!! LOVE IT!

    2 years ago

  • dustofenchantment

    dustofenchantment says:

    What a great article. I have always wanted to create a hina matsuri set. Thanks for featuring my washi ningyo tutorial.

    2 years ago

  • nekokonojo

    nekokonojo says:

    i love thier outfits, and the japanese culture.

    2 years ago

  • recycledwares

    recycledwares says:

    beautiful gowns.

    2 years ago

  • GraciesGardenDesigns

    GraciesGardenDesigns says:

    I love hearing about different cultures and their traditions. Thanks for sharing. :)

    2 years ago

  • graceleeboutique

    graceleeboutique says:

    After reading this blog about celebrating little girls on the 3rd day of the 3rd month, I just have to comment as I lost my little girl, Gracie, my 3rd child, at age 3 and celebrate her memory everday. I opened this shop in her name. Seeing the little girls remind me so much of her, then to see GraciesGardenDesigns as the last commenter was a sure sign from above. In loving memory of Grace Lee Sperandeo.

    2 years ago

  • JeansVintageCloset

    JeansVintageCloset says:

    Learning about Cultures rich with traditions, family celerations is what some of the Multi Cultural team events are about at our college. An International festival with many guests teaches our community much about the values, tradition and festive dances, food and family structures. This article is very wonderful, I love the photo of lamps in eve, also heirloom dolls. Wish we could have guest speakers at our college teach us more about this Hina-Matsuri event, Thanks for sharing

    2 years ago

  • vintagemaison

    vintagemaison says:

    What a lovely article - I would love an English or French equivalent to celebrate my daughter and her girl-friends...maybe I will just start one up anyway!

    2 years ago

  • StichesInTime

    StichesInTime says:

    Very interesting! I'd never heard of this. I'd love to see the dolls close up, especially the Empress doll with a 12 layered gown!

    2 years ago

  • streetnoodles

    streetnoodles says:

    my father who was the kitsch collector in our family had the whole 7 tier collection of dolls & miniature offerings when i was a teenager...all handmade under glass display with a music box attachment...and yes, he collected a few of those handmade geisha dolls with the elaborate hair & silk kimonos. your article brought back such memories..will find a safe place to display them...kitty-proof!

    2 years ago

  • cupcakebomb

    cupcakebomb says:

    Thank you so much for writing this article! I'm from Japan, and I used to have 7 tier sets. My mom had me help with setting them up every year, and I just adored them. Every girl wants to be like princess right? I wanted to be just like the princess who sat on the top of Hinamaturi set. :) Then we ate Sushi handrolls and special colorful sweets. They always use cherry blossom like colors for those sweets, like pale pink, light greens... It was also a great way to celebrate spring. Now I live in the states, I don't have it anymore. My mom sent me a paper cutout version of Hinamatsuri set, but it's a great idea to make my own! I'll definitely do that next year!! So thank you for sharing this great culture! and what a great finds! We also have Boy's day in May in Japan. Boys get Samurai armer set and big Koi fish display. They're wonderful to see, too!

    2 years ago

  • cupcakebomb

    cupcakebomb says:

    Thank you so much for writing this article! I'm from Japan, and I used to have 7 tier sets. My mom had me help with setting them up every year, and I just adored them. Every girl wants to be like princess right? I wanted to be just like the princess who sat on the top of Hinamaturi set. :) Then we ate Sushi handrolls and special colorful sweets. They always use cherry blossom like colors for those sweets, like pale pink, light greens... It was also a great way to celebrate spring. Now I live in the states, I don't have it anymore. My mom sent me a paper cutout version of Hinamatsuri set, but it's a great idea to make my own! I'll definitely do that next year!! So thank you for sharing this great culture! and what a great finds! We also have Boy's day in May in Japan. Boys get Samurai armer set and big Koi fish display. They're wonderful to see.

    2 years ago

  • MonEsperance

    MonEsperance says:

    That's amazing! Thanks Etsy for giving us a lesson in cultures around the world. I've read a lot about Japan and never heard of this. I strongly encourage Etsy to continue doing this sort of thing to bring other cultures together in knowledge and understanding.

    2 years ago

  • vizil

    vizil says:

    What a great way to introduce a different culture, learn and celebrate with your daughter. Thanks a lot!

    2 years ago

  • julessabjewelry

    julessabjewelry says:

    How wonderful! I love the paper dolls and the photo of the release of bad spirits. It reminds me to be thankful every day for being a woman/girl.

    2 years ago

  • kirstenfrancis

    kirstenfrancis says:

    What a wonderful way to celebrate girls. Love the color and detail (things that my girls especially love)!

    2 years ago

  • jhartphotography

    jhartphotography says:

    oh my gosh! i love those little shoes!!

    2 years ago

  • SkunkandIndigo

    SkunkandIndigo says:

    My daughter is 3 years old and we celebrate Girls Day every year. Also, She is half Japanese so, its sort of a cultural tradition as well. It's sooo much fun.

    2 years ago

  • koolmono

    koolmono says:

    What a fabulous celebration!! So inspiring.

    2 years ago

  • camamiel

    camamiel says:

    What a lovely tradition! And great selection. I couldn´t love more the kokeshi dolls.

    2 years ago

  • wensaccessories

    wensaccessories says:

    What a wonderful celebration!

    2 years ago

  • skocdem

    skocdem says:

    What a wonderful tradition! Thank you for sharing this fading custom.

    2 years ago

  • EvienLizzie

    EvienLizzie says:

    This is so neat! Thanks for sharing.

    2 years ago

  • nekoknits

    nekoknits says:

    I used to go to a celebration that incorporated Girls Day and Spring Festival together at the Japanese Cultural Center in Toronto. They always had a huge display of dolls donated from families around the city. I still have a photo of my dressed in a kimono in front of the many tiered court of dolls. I loved that festival!

    2 years ago