“Learning a new language, just like opening a new window, allows you to see the world with intimacy.”
― Pearl Zhu

 

March 3rd is the Girl’s Day in Japan. What we call, Hinamaturi (ひなまつり、雛祭り). It is not a national holiday, but it is the day to celebrate girl’s health and happiness. It is the day just for girls, and boys might feel left out this day, but it’s alright. Boys have their own day to celebrate in May.

Oh, not to mention, if you don’t have a daughter in your family, we typically don’t celebrate this day. Oh well. too bad..  sorry.

One thing about Hinamtsuri(ひなまつり、雛祭り) is that we can’t celebrate this day without Hina Ningyo (ひなにんぎょう、雛人形), the dolls that we decorate for a purpose. From the past when this celebration began there was a specific reason as to why we decorate our house with these dolls. When Girl’s Day first started back in Heian period, dolls that were made in paper are believed to take away all the bad luck and bad spirits.

 

People used to let these dolls float in the downriver, which they used to call Nagashi-bina (ながしびな、流し雛) （paper-dolls floated downriver) It’s this reason why the Girl’s Day is also called Doll’s Festival in Japan. Eventually, these paper dolls became pretty dolls to decorate in the house as a symbol for Girl’s Day. By decorating with these beautiful dolls, we celebrate and cherish our daughter’s happiness, health, and safety.

 

When it gets closer to March 3rd, you will often hear the song below at grocery stores or department stores throughout Japan.

 

Quick Japanese lessons on Hinamatsuri (ひなまつり、雛祭り) 

 

Did you already display the dolls for Girl’s Day?

Mo Hina ningyo wa kazari mashita ka?

もう　雛人形　は　飾りましたか？

（もう　ひな　にんぎょうは　かざり　ましたか？）

 

I can’t wait to celebrate the Girl’s Day.

Hanamatsuri ga machi do- shi desu.

雛祭りが　待ち遠しいです。

（ひなまつり　が　まちどおしいです。）

 

Hina dolls look so pretty.

Hina ningyo kireidane.

雛人形、綺麗だね。

（ひな　にんぎょう　きれいだね。）