Do you know the member of Hina dolls?
I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries. I’ve got the license of the certificate English guide in Japan for 8 years.
I show you hidden Japan which you have never seen and heard of!
Hina Matsuri( festival)
I came across the Hina dolls in our office building entrance.
Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) is an annual event of 3rd March in Japan to pray for the healthy growth of girls.
History
In Kyoto, it has been held since the 8th century as an elegant “playful event” for the children of Heian nobles.
It is thought that a small palace-like “yagata” was built and decorated.
In the beginning, it was not a ritual but a game.
This is why Hina Matsuri is also called “Hina Asobi” (playing with dolls).
Guardian paper doll
In the Heian period (794-1185), paper dolls were floated down the river.
The dolls were worshipped as “guardian dolls” to ward off evil spirits.
In those days, the infant mortality rate was much higher than it is today.
It was common for babies to die before they were born.
Parents were desperate to watch over their babies as they grew up.
And they placed a doll at their bedside to ward off bad luck.
Then, the misfortunes of the year would be purged at the Hina Nagashi festival in spring.
This is the origin of the Hina Matsuri.
These dolls are a typical example of Hinamatsuri.
Top row
Top row The Dairi bina dolls are displayed.
The Dairi bina are the lord and princess.
They sit on the topmost tier to express their high status.
The gold folding screen in the background is decorated with bonbori (paper lanterns) and peach blossom wine or white wine.
The second row
This is the “three courtesans” stage.
Standing figures are placed on both sides and sitting figures in the center.
From left to right, they hold a choshi (sake decanter), sampo (sake wagon ), and hisage (sake pot), and offer white sake to celebrate the occasion.
The third row
This is the third stage of “Gohinbayashi( 5 plyers).
From left to right, there is a drum, an o-tsuzumi (large drum), a kotsuzumi (small drum), a flute, and a chant.
The fourth row
The fourth stage is the “Zuishin(guardian) stage.
The Minister of the Right is young, in charge of power, and protects people and houses.
The Minister of the Left is an old man with a literary and military background and an intellect.
Hishi-mochi (rice cakes) and hina-arare (rice dumplings) are placed between the two.
The fifth row
The fifth step is the “Jichou( servant)step.
This is where a person is in charge of taking care of various things.
They hold a broom, a dustpan, and a rake in each hand.
The sixth row
This is the stage for wedding utensils.
For instance, a chest of drawers, a mirror stand, a long handle, a needle box, tea ceremony utensils.
And a brazier, and other tools used in daily life are lined up.
The seventh row
A basket, a stacked box, a Goshoguruma, and so on are arranged.
The scarlet carpet spread over the entire tier is used to add a touch of glamour, and also to ward off smallpox and fleas.
How is it?
I think you will enjoy Hina ningyo more than before!
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!!!