1. Display of Dolls (Hina Ningyo):
- Families with young girls set up a special display of dolls called "hina ningyo." These dolls represent the Imperial Court during the Heian period (794-1185 AD) and are arranged on a tiered platform covered with a red carpet.
- The dolls include representations of the Emperor and Empress, their attendants, musicians, and other figures. The Emperor and Empress dolls are placed at the top of the display, and the arrangement follows a strict hierarchy.
2. Decorations:
- Homes are decorated with peach blossoms, which symbolize the arrival of spring and are believed to ward off evil spirits. Peach blossom branches are placed in vases or hung on the walls.
- Other traditional decorations include colorful paper streamers (called "mizuhiki") and white and pink rice cakes (called "hishi mochi").
3. Special Food:
- Chirashizushi: A dish consisting of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients such as raw fish, seafood, vegetables, and egg strips.
- Hina Arare: Small, colorful rice crackers that come in different flavors and are often served during Hinamatsuri.
- Sakura Mochi: A sweet glutinous rice cake wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf.
- Hishi Mochi: Diamond-shaped rice cakes made from glutinous rice and colored with red, white, and green.
4. Prayers and Wishes:
- Families gather to pray for the health, happiness, and well-being of their daughters. They make wishes for their daughters to grow up healthy, kind, and successful.
5. Traditional Games and Activities:
- Girls play traditional games such as "貝合わせ (kai awase)," which involves matching pairs of seashells, and "カルタ (karuta)," a card game involving reading poems and matching them to their corresponding cards.
6. Gifts:
- Families often give gifts to their daughters, such as new dolls, traditional clothing, or other special treats.
7. Visiting Shrines and Temples:
- Some families visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to pray for their daughters' well-being and to give thanks.
8. Family Gatherings:
- Hinamatsuri is an occasion for families to come together and celebrate the growth and happiness of their daughters. Relatives and friends may also visit to offer their congratulations.
9. Community Events:
- Local communities may organize Hinamatsuri events, such as doll displays, cultural performances, and workshops related to traditional crafts and games.
