All about Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)

Sure! Hinamatsuri, also known as the Doll Festival, is a special celebration in Japan that is based on Shintoism, a traditional Japanese religion. The festival is held on March 3rd each year to pray for the health and happiness of girls.

  1. What is another name for Hinamatsuri?
  2. When is the festival celebrated each year?
  3. What is the purpose of Hinamatsuri?
  4. Why are hina dolls displayed on a tiered platform?
  5. How do families celebrate Hinamatsuri with food?

Symbols and Traditions

Hinamatsuri, also known as the Doll Festival, is a special celebration in Japan that takes place on March 3rd each year. It is a tradition that dates back many years and is celebrated in the Shinto religion. During Hinamatsuri, families set up a display of special dolls called hina-ningyo on a tiered stand called hina-dan. These dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians dressed in beautiful traditional clothing.

  1. The purpose of Hinamatsuri is to pray for the health and happiness of girls in the family. It is believed that the dolls help to protect the girls from evil spirits and bring good luck.
  2. Families decorate their homes with peach blossoms, rice crackers, and other special items to celebrate this festival.
  3. On the day of Hinamatsuri, families often have a special meal with traditional foods like chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi) and hina-arare (sweet rice crackers). They also drink a special type of sweet sake called amazake.
  1. What is the significance of the dolls in Hinamatsuri?
  2. How do families decorate their homes during Hinamatsuri?
  3. What are some traditional foods enjoyed during the festival?
  4. How does Hinamatsuri promote family unity and cultural appreciation?
  5. Discuss the role of symbolism in Hinamatsuri and its impact on the celebration.

My Family and Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)

Hi, my name is Tara and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you all about a special celebration called Hinamatsuri, also known as the Doll Festival in Japan. It's a tradition that happens every year on March 3rd. I find it really fascinating and I hope you do too!

  1. What is the name of the special dolls displayed during Hinamatsuri?
  2. Why do families set up a tiered stand during Hinamatsuri?
  3. What types of traditional foods are often eaten during Hinamatsuri?
  4. Why is Hinamatsuri important for families?
  5. How does Hinamatsuri connect to showing respect for ancestors?

Comparing Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) to another Festival

After learning all about Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival), is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)and think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)
A full set of teaching plans for Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)teaching.