Basic knowledge of History and Culture

歴史と文化の基礎知識

CultureHinamatsuri Culture

Also known as "Momo no Sekku", or "Peach Festival"
Hinamatsuri took root as a festival to celebrate the birth of a girl in the middle of the Edo period (1603-1867). At this time, events were held to celebrate the girls' first festival, and the custom of giving Hina dolls as gifts became widespread. Hina dolls consist of male and female dolls dressed as the emperor, empress, and other nobles, and are usually displayed on a five-tiered stand. This is derived from the court culture of the Heian period (794-1185). Hinamatsuri is celebrated with sweets such as "hishi-mochi" (diamond-shaped rice cakes) or "hina-arare". Other typical Hinamatsuri dishes include chirashizushi or sakura mochi, on top of hina-arare and hishi-mochi.