Have a nice day, girls!

Hina Matsuri, literally, is Dolls’ Day, a day entirely dedicated to little girls. People pray for their development and their future happiness.

For a few days before Hina Matsuri, Japanese little girls exhibit special dolls, Hina-ningyo. Those precious dolls represents characters from the Imperial Court of the Heian era (Heian meaning peace, from 794 to 1185, very favorable to arts). The dolls are exhibited on this unique occasion and set on a platform with several steps, the Imperial couple being at the top.

During the Heian era, the dolls were protections against bad spirits. They have to be stored away again by the end of March 3, otherwise the house daughter won’t get married before a whole year’s time but this holiday is celebrated in many homes, whether they have a daughter to marry or not.

It’s also an opportunity to eat sushi, hina arare (rice biscuits), and sake.