Momo-no-Sekku

There are five seasonal festive days (five sekku) in a year. They are the days with the same odd-numbered months and days, such as 1-1 (January 1), 3-3, 5-5, 7-7, and 9-9. March 3 was originally called “Joshi,” but later it came to be called “Momo-no-Sekku,” or the Peach Festival, since peach trees bloom beautifully at that time of year.

It is also celebrated because peach trees were thought to be very lucky plants that could ward off evil spirits.

Later, it became a day to pray for the healthy growth of girls.

Hina Doll Play

“Hina” was a word used to mean “cute” in the Heian period.. At that time, in the imperial court, girls often played with hand-made paper dolls. This was called “Hina” play. Around the Edo period, the display of the dolls began to be placed in homes with young girls. As time went on, the displays became more elaborate.

The Display of the dolls

The largest display consists of seven platforms covered with red cloth.

On the top platform, a male doll and a female doll dressed in gorgeous kimono are placed, representing the emperor and empress.

On the second platform from the top sit three court ladies.

On the third platform sit five musicians.

On the fourth platform sit two top ministers.

On the fifth platform sit three servants.

On the sixth and seventh platforms, miniatures of make-up boxes, carts, citrus trees, cherry trees, etc.

Other display types are made up of five platforms, three platforms, or only one platform.

The display begins to be set up after the middle of February, and it should be taken down soon after March 3.

The Position of the Emperor Doll (Obina) and the Empress Doll (Mebina)

Normally, the obina is seated on the right (facing left) and the mebina on the left (facing right). But in Kyoto, the positions are reversed. This is because Kyoto, the ancient center of Japan, preserves the tradition of the imperial court, where the left side was considered more valuable than the right.

Special Food and Drink for Doll’s Day

Clam clear soup, Hishi rice cake (in the shape of a diamond), Hina rice cracker (made from broken pieces of Hishi rice cake), Chirashi sushi (sushi topped with ingredients like egg, shrimp, and vegetables), and sweet sake.