Hina Matsuri

I had almost forgotten - just almost. But just in time we put up our hinamatsuri dolls for March 3rd 2008. And I learned while reading up on the festival on the internet, that certain dates are considered "lucky", such as 01/01 - New Years Day, 03/03 Hina Matsuri or, Momo no Sekko, 05/05 Tango no Sekko or Kodomo no hi and 07/07 Tanabata. I was wondering if 09/09 is a lucky day, but maybe not, because 9 in Japanese means death or pain, but that is speculative.

I found a pretty good article about Hina matsuri (Doll Festival) here: KLICK ME! It is also called Momo no Sekku - Peach Day, as the peach blooms around that time and “The peach keeps bad things away and maintains one’s health.” I love the symbolism in the Japanese Culture. And peach blossoms are pink, so everything associate with the day is pink. It also fits for little girls and the wishes for them for their future. Although this is a day for girls, the boys are guests on this day, same as the girls will be guests on the boys day in May. Well, and I just found out that their is a superstitious believe, that if a girl does not put away her doll-decoration soon after Hina Matsuri, she will miss a good chance to get married, because it is based on the old idea that girls should be organized and tidy in order to become a good wife. - lucky me - I am married already to a wonderful man! Or just maybe I am not so organized and tidy as a good japanese girl would be ;-)

And just so I don't forget Japanese Girl's Pop Music produced this Hina Matsuri Song, follow the link to watch the song on you tube: Klick Me!

In rememberance of the pink of this day I will also post some pics of our pink Amaryllis Susan.
BTW - I am so glad our camera is back and working well again.