Girls Festival and Boys Festival

Posted on May 22, 2007 by Jamie

March 3 (3/3) is “hina matsuri” which means ‘doll festival’ is more commonly known simply as ‘girls festival’. The month or so leading up to March 3, families decorate their homes with a collection of beautiful dolls. A complete set would have seven levels or steps. Having a complete set is both expensive and rare. The topmost level holds the emperor and empress. Some people only display these two figures. I’ve seen some emperor and empress sets for 2,000 yen and other for 200,000 yen! The second step has three court ladies holding sake. The third step has five musicians holding instruments, except for the singer who holds a fan. The fourth step usually has the two court ministers as well as some furniture. The fifth step has three servants and a cherry tree and a mandarin tree. The sixth and seventh steps have other furniture pieces.

According to superstition, the family must put the set away before midnight on March 3, otherwise, the daughters will not marry. However, in Matsuyama as well as other cities, the celebrate hina matsuri on April 3. This has something to do with using an ancient calendar system I believe.

On May 5 (5/5), Japan celebrates ‘kodomo no hi”, which means ‘children’s day’ or more commonly known as ‘boys’ day’. Traditionally, families would fly giant carp kites from their homes. The biggest one is usually black and represents the father of the family. The next kite is smaller and usually a red carp representing the mother. The third kite is blue and represents the son or daughter of the family. I believe some have four or even five carp (green, orange and purple) representing the other children.

Like hina matsuri, most families will display a samurai helmet for ‘boys’ day’. Some rich families will have an entire samurai suit of armour. Other popular items to display are small porcelain samurai figures, or a momotaro set or a kintaro set. Momotaro means ‘peach boy’ and kintaro means ‘gold boy’. These are very famous and popular children’s stories. They are about boys who fight monsters and help people. They epitomize the idea of boys’ day.