2024 Hina Matsuri, Doll’s Day - March 3rd - Special Time to Pray for the Growth & Happiness of GirlsNEW

Hina Matsuri, also called Doll’s Day or Girl’s Day, is a special time to pray for the growth and happiness of girls. It is also called Momo no Sekku, or “Peach Blossom Festival. Visitors can appreciate a traditional display of dolls representing the Emperor and Empress with members of the Imperial Court. The event will also feature storytelling, songs, and an ikebana workshop for young Garden guests.

Hina Matsuri is said to have originated in the Heian period (794-1185), a time when people believed that dolls had the power to drive away evil spirits. Paper or straw hina dolls were set afloat on boats down the river and out to sea, sweeping away troubles and bad spirits. This tradition called nagashi bina still takes place in some regions in Japan.

The tradition of displaying hina dolls at home began during the Edo period (1603-1868) and still takes place today. Traditionally, parents or grandparents purchase a set of hina dolls following the birth of a girl. In some instances, hina dolls are passed down from previous generations.

Event Date
March 3, 2024

Event Time
10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Schedule

The workshops in the Yanai Classroom will take place at the following times:
1st Workshop: 11:00 am-11:30 am
2nd Workshop: 12:00-12:30 pm
3rd Workshop: 1:00-1:30 pm

In the Miller Living Room, two family-friendly music and dance performances by TAKOHACHI - Kotori Kai Shamisen School from 10:45 -11:15 am and again at 11:45 am - 12:15 pm in the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner. The performances will feature Tsugaru shamisen (a three-stringed lute), taiko drums, shinobue (a side-blown bamboo flute with a high-pitched sound), minyo (Japanese folk songs) vocals, and dance.

About Hina Matsuri at Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden celebrates Hina Matsuri, also known as Doll’s Day, each year. This traditional holiday is celebrated in Japan on March 3rd to pray for the health and happiness of young girls. At the Portland Japanese Garden, visitors can enjoy a day of festive events and activities that honor this special occasion. The highlight of the event is the display of traditional Japanese hina dolls, which are dressed in elaborate costumes and displayed on a multi-tiered platform. Each year, the Garden features new dolls from Japan that represent the many different eras in their history.