photo: Jonathan Ley
Hina Matsuri, the Doll Festival
February 25-March 3, 2011
Garden Hours
Included with Garden admission
Jonathan Ley
Hina Matsuri is traditionally celebrated on March 3. For centuries, this once-a-year event has taught girls the virtues of gentility and thoughtfulnessÑqualities they would need to become good wives and mothers in traditional Japanese society. A major feature of this celebration is the display of Hina Ningyo, special dolls representing the imperial court arrayed on a five- or seven-tiered stand that is covered with a celebratory red cloth and placed in the best room of the house. Hina Matsuri is one of the five annual observances called Go-Sekku that mark the changing seasons.
