Well it seems March 3rd isn't all about Alexander Bell!
Today is also 'Hinamatsuri' (a Japanese Doll Festival) or 'Girls' Day'. This is a day to pray for young girls' growth and happiness.
It can also be called 'Momo no sekku' (Peach Festival) because of the peach blossom season on the old lunar calendar.
A bright red carpet is used to cover a stepped platform to display a set of ornamental dolls.
These dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, Attendents and Musicians in a traditional court dress of the Heian period.
The reason for this is that the whole custom began in the Heian period. It was believed that the dolls possessed the power to contain bad spirits. The dolls would then be sent down a river to the sea, taking the bad spirits with them. (Of course the dolls back then were made of straw and not so expensive!)
Not all Hinamatsuri displays are traditional!
A really large theme in this celebration, as well as alot of Japan's culture including their flag, is the colour Red. Not only has Japan given us some of the most
We hope you enjoy this tasty bit of knowledge for the day! See? Who says Red Candy is just a pretty face?
Sayonara!
