The festival of 3 March known as Hina-Matsuri, is a celebration for all little girls.
The origin of this festival goes back to the Heian period (794-1185) and comes from an ancient custom according to which the" hitogana" , paper dolls, the first month of year, are let to float on the rivers to remove dangerous events.
In all houses, where there is a female child, on a staircase with 7 shelves "hina ningyo" are exposed. They are two beautiful dolls in costumes from ancient ceremonies that represent the emperor and the empress.
Behind the imperial couple two gold screens with two lamps are put.
On the lower steps there are other dolls that represent the lady of the empress and the courtiers.
On the same altar there are offerings for the divinities.
The dolls exposed are the first gift that any girl receives at birth.
A superstition is linked to the dolls: if the dolls are not put away immediately after the party, the girl will not find a husband. Here are some pictures.
No comments:
Post a Comment