by Lynn Geis
photos by Lynn and Ed Geis
A few years ago, I found some wonderful old dolls while poking around in an antique shop in Nagasaki. The shop was cluttered and I was curious when I spotted three small dolls jammed in under other things on the disorderly shelves. They caught my eye because of their seated poses with cute bare feet jutting out from their old-style costumes, and because they were men. Two of them held poles, but one’s poised hands had long since lost whatever he originally possessed. One even had bushy white eyebrows. When I bought them I did not know anything about Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Festival), but later I learned that my little gentlemen were the courtiers from a much larger set. I will never know how they became separated from the emperor they once served, but I did learn about the special ceremony they had been a part of in a happier day. They probably never dreamed of traveling to America, but perhaps feel honored to be cultural emissaries.
In Japan, March 3rd is Hina Matsuri, also called Girl’s Day. Families with daughters display doll sets that range from a simple pair of ceramic Emperor and Empress dolls to very elaborate dolls dressed in silk kimonos. Complete sets are arranged on collapsible stairway-type stands, which are draped with red felt (red for good luck). The Emperor and Empress sit on the top step, three ladies-in-waiting are on the second step, next come five musicians (a Noh ensemble), then two guards armed with bows and arrows, and three courtiers who carry the emperor’s shoes, hat, and parasol.
The holiday is also known as Momo no Sekku (Peach Festival), so tiny peach trees decorate the scene, along with lanterns and household goods, such as storage chests and tea ceremony sets. Little girls do not play with these sets, but they may get to dress up in a kimono and have a party with their friends.
Lynn and Ed Geis
Hina Matsuri is an occasion to pray for the health and happiness of daughters. It is traditional to serve small fried rice cases and hishi mochi, which are diamond-shaped mochi (pounded glutinous rice) in various colors, and children can even taste a thimble-full of special sake. One friend explained, “Nowadays, the rooms for the display are getting smaller, and also these sets are very expensive.” She observes the occasion by placing Emperor and Empress dolls on top of the piano. However, if a family with daughters does not display any dolls, it may bring bad luck, especially when it comes to finding a suitable husband for a daughter. It is also bad luck to leave the dolls out for more than a couple of weeks.
In ancient times, small clay or straw dolls were put by babies to ward off illness and evil spirits. Once a year the dolls were floated away on the river, taking all bad luck with them. During the Edo period (1600–1867), dolls began to play a different role. There were rules governing every aspect of life, including what people could wear. The merchant class was not allowed to wear colorful silk, but they were becoming affluent in this long period of peace. One way to flaunt their wealth was to invest in dolls that could be dressed in the finest silk.
Today, finely crafted dolls can cost thousands of dollars, and special sets become precious heirlooms to pass along to grandchildren. However, there are dolls for any budget, from miniature paper dolls to the elaborate dolls dressed by master craftsmen.
Lynn Geis writes monthly articles on Japanese culture and crafts for Yuuyake Shimbun, a newspaper published in Portland, Oregon by Pacific Rim Publications. Please write to kcobb@japanesegarden.com for information regarding reprint rights. © 2006
