Hina-Matsuri Festival by Midori Hoshina

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This is a unique festival and it is called Hina-Matsuri Festaval in Japan.  This festival falls every year during 3rd March and its also known as Peach festival, because it’s peach-blossom season.  This name has been known for more than ten centuries.  At first this cerebration was a ceremony for driving evil, but now it is changed to a festival, to celebrate the growth of girls.   

A couple of weeks before this day, we display Hina- dolls in our house.  Hina-dolls are figured as ancient Japanese Prince, Princes and some retainers.  These dolls wear gorgeous and very beautiful Kimono.  Some small ancient furniture are also included with a sets of dolls, when these are put together, they look as if an ancient world is brought back.   Hina dolls are usually bought, when a girl is born in a family. Therefore, most Japanese girls might have their own dolls.

On the Hina-Matsuri day, only girls have a party and eat some special sweets, sing a special song and enjoy the dolls.  After Hina-Matsuri day, we take away Hina-dolls immediately. This is a traditional superstition.  It is taught that if Hina-dolls are left for a longer time after Hina-Matsuri day, the girls might become an old maid.

Webmaster replies

Midori, the sentence that finishes ‘..and some retainers’ confused me.   What is a retainer in this situation?   Could you let us know and does anyone else know?

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