Today is Hina Matsuri, when displays of dolls in Heian Period costume are put up in homes. The dolls at the top are of the Emperor and Empress. This display is at Yoko's family home in Kyoto.
The festival comes from the ancient practise of using straw dolls thrown in the river to carry away sin and pollution, a practise which continues today in such matsuri as MushiokuriOdori.
Though May 5th is the National holiday called Childrens Day, in actuality it is celebrated as Boys Day, and Hina Matsuri is celebrated as Girls day.
These dolls are so cute. I have heard a lot about this doll festival so much. Is there any story behind it. Because Japanese always have some historical story behind everything. I like those stories.
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