March 3 is Girls’ Day, so Happy Hina Matsuri!

Hina Matsuri is one of the prettiest Japanese holidays, in my opinion. I love the pink colors, and the beautifully elaborate doll displays. Also, it’s a nice reminder that spring is on its way! Here is a little bit of information about Hina Matsuri, if you’re wondering what it’s all about. This is from PingMag.jp:

The overall idea of Hina-matsuri is to wish girls a healthy growth. In a family where a baby girl is born, parents give a set of dolls called “Hina-Ningyo” to the baby at her first Hina-matsuri hoping that she will grow happy, healthy and beautiful. Every year they keep decorating the dolls on the day of Hina-matsuri and hold a party to celebrate the child’s growth with some cake or tiny rice cakes.

I remember those special sweets and treats from a trip my family took to Japan when I was in elementary school. It was such an amazing experience to see, touch, taste, smell, and hear all of the elements of the celebration, especially when we visited the home of some long-lost relatives. I was about ten years old, and it made an indelible impression on my young mind.

Happy Hina Matsuri, everyone!

Tagged as: holidays, japan