The Japanese Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri), or Girls’ Day, is today! This special day is celebrated in Japan to wish for the health, happiness, and success of girls.
Traditionally, families with young girls set up platforms covered with a red carpet to display a set of ornamental dolls the represent the Emperor, Empress, and royal subjects in traditional attire.
The custom of displaying dolls began because people believed that dolls were able to trap bad spirits. Straw hina dolls were set afloat on a boat and sent down a river to the sea, taking troubles and bad fortune with them, and helping to protect the safety of children.
Happy Girls' Day!