Hinamatsuri Display at JASC

Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, is a cherished Japanese festival held annually on March 3rd to wish for the health, happiness, and prosperity of young girls. At the heart of this tradition is the display of hina-ningyō—ornamental dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, and members of the Heian-era court. These dolls, arranged on a tiered platform covered in red cloth, are believed to ward off misfortune and bring good fortune to young girls.

At JASC, our staff carefully brought our own hina-ningyō set out of storage and spent the day thoughtfully arranging the display—a time-consuming but rewarding process. The final result was a beautiful and intricate setup, giving several programs the opportunity to view the dolls and learn about the significance of Hinamatsuri. We were delighted to share this cultural tradition with our community and celebrate the rich heritage behind this special day!

Set Up Process

Setting up the hina dolls is a delicate and time-consuming process, but the end result is well worth the effort! Each doll has its own unique accessories and must be handled with great care. Check out a time-lapse of JASC’s staff assembling this year’s display! Next year, we hope to have the display up for a longer period and invite you to stop by and see it for Hinamatsuri!