ひな祭り (Hinamatsuri)

Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, is celebrated in Japan on March 3. Families with daughters display hina ningyo, a set of ornamental dolls dressed as members of the old imperial court, often arranged on a red-covered tiered stand. The top tier usually holds the emperor and empress, and lower tiers add attendants, musicians, furniture, and miniature court items. At home, people admire the dolls, take family photos, and offer prayers for a girl’s health and happiness. Peach blossoms are commonly placed with the display, so the day is also associated with Momo no Sekku, the Peach Festival. Schools and shops may also put hina displays out in late February.

The food for Hinamatsuri is distinctive: chirashizushi, ushiojiru or hamaguri no osuimono with clam shells, hina-arare rice crackers, and layered hishimochi are especially common. Sweet white drinks such as amazake are often served, and adults may also drink shirozake in some households. A typical day is quiet and family-centered rather than a loud street festival. Children look at the dolls, eat the seasonal meal, and sometimes receive sweets. After March 3, many families put the dolls away fairly soon. A well-known folk belief says leaving them out too long may delay a daughter’s marriage, though this is a custom rather than a rule.

The pack has 36 words spread across these domains.