What is Hinamatsuri?

As one of the five gosekku (五節句, seasonal festivals) in Japan, Hinamatsuri is held on the 3rd March following the Japanese tradition to celebrate auspicious days of the year (i.e. the first day of the first month, third of the third month, the fifth of the fifth, and so on). Here at Japan Centre, we’ve got the perfect sweets and treats to celebrate the day yourself!

Putting tradition on a pedestal

The more traditional side to Hinamatsuri celebrations is showcased through the displays of hina-ningyō (雛人形, ornamental Japanese dolls). The scene is meant to represent a Heian period wedding with the entire set of hinazakari (雛飾り, complete set of dolls) worth at least £1,200! While the horizontal order of the dolls varies from region to region, the order of the levels remains the same across the whole of Japan.

The levels are divided amongst the following:

• The top tier is reserved for two dolls known as the dairi-bina (内裏雛, imperial dolls, usually representing the Emperor and Empress) and the two are usually holding a ritual baton and fan. Sitting atop a layer of fabric called dankake (段掛) they’re known by a range of names – most commonly known as obina (男雛) and mebina (女雛) or tono (殿) and hime (姫).
• The second tier: holds san-nin kanjo (三人官女, three court ladies) with takatsuki (高坏, stands with round table-tops for seasonal sweets) between them
• The third tier: holds gonin bayashi (五人囃子, five male musicians) with the instruments like taiko (太鼓, small drum), ōtsuzumi (大鼓, large drum), kotsuzumi (小鼓, hand drum), fue (笛, flute) and utaikata (謡い方, singer)
• The fourth tier: holds two daijin (大臣, ministers) with ozen (お膳, covered bowl tables) and hishidai (菱台, diamond-shaped stands) between them
• The fifth tier: holds three shichō (仕丁, helpers) or eji (衛士, protectors) of the Emperor and Empress
• The sixth tier: holds items used in the palace like tansu (箪笥, a chest of drawers), nagamochi (長持, long chest for kimono storage), hasamibako (鋏箱, small clothing storage box), kyōdai (鏡台, mirror stand), haribako (針箱, sewing kit box), two hibachi (火鉢, braziers) and a set of ocha dōgu (お茶道具, tea ceremony utensils)
• The seventh and bottom tier: holds items used outside of the palace like jubako (重箱, laquered food boxes), gokago (ご加護, a palanquin), goshoguruma (御所車, an ox-drawn carriage) and sometimes a hanaguruma (花車, an ox-drawn cart of flowers)

Fun fact: the dolls themselves are meant to represent the hope and values of the Japanese population, fostering a sense of unity under the Imperial family. While this notion may have waned in recent times, the cultural aspect of Hinamatsuri remains ever strong.

Celebrate Hinamatsuri at home by shopping for Japanese food and ingredients at one of [our London stores](en/stores "Japan Centre stores in London"), or online at japancentre.com. Our [online recipe section](https://www.japancentre.com/en/cookings "Japan Centre recipes") is packed full of tasty sweet and savoury recipe ideas for all seasons and occasions!