Hinamatsuri 🎎 雛祭り- Doll’s Festival

Hinamatsuri dates back over 1000 years to the Heian period (794 - 1185) as a ritual of protection for a community’s girls and young women. Paper dolls, called hitogata, were sent downstream in hopes that they would take any bad luck or illness with them. By the Edo period, the disposable paper dolls were replaced with the heirloom dolls you see in the traditional Hina Ningyo doll display. These dolls are styled to represent members of the Heian royal court, including the Emperor, Empress, and all of their attendants. These dolls are delicate and highly prized, and often passed down through generations.   

While Hinamatsuri  is sometimes translated as “Girl’s Day,” all SFVJLI students and their parents are invited to join in as we wish all of our community’s children good health, luck, and prosperity. Students are invited to wear their favorite Japanese attire, including kimono and happi, participate in crafts, and enjoy the festivities.

See Events page for details.