Hinamatsuri

When is Hinamatsuri?

March 3. This holiday was possibly introduced to Japan from China, after Japan adopted the Chinese calendar system. This calendar celebrated certain holidays on auspicious dates – such as the first day of the first month, second day of the second month, third day of the third month, and so forth. Hinamatsuri was codified as March 3 after Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar.

What is Hinamatsuri?

Also known as Girls’ Day, Hinamatsuri is a Japanese holiday celebrating the growth and happiness of girls. It possibly originated from the Chinese festival of Shangsi, in which dolls were left to drift down a river to ward off evil. At some point during the Edo Period (17th to 19th centuries), the dolls began to be used as decorations and toys, especially in the homes of aristocrats. Dolls were dressed in elaborate clothing, similar to that worn by royalty.

Today, on Hinamatsuri, dolls are put on display in a stand call a hinadan. The most elaborate hinadan consists of red carpet and seven platforms. Each doll has its own special place in the hinadan. The day is also marked with special foods, including clam soup (a clam is said to represent a married couple; just as a couple is not a couple without the other, the clam needs both parts of its shell), hishi mochi (a colorful rice cake), or chirashizushi (a rice dish topped with foods said to bring prosperity).

Did you know . . .?

Traditionally, people celebrating Hinamatsuri begin to assemble the doll sets (hinakazari) at least a few weeks in advance. The hinakazari are supposed to be put away soon after the holiday passes; some believe that leaving the dolls out for too long will ruin marriage prospects for the girls in that household.

Want to learn more?

Two dishes commonly eaten on Hinamatsuri include chirashizushi (a rice and sushi dish) and osuimono (clam soup). Learn how to make these recipes here!

Visit Nashville’s original Japanese restaurant & grocery: Sonobana.