In Japan they celebrate the girls
On March 3, Japan celebrates the popular annual celebration of “Hina Matsuri”, which in translation is called “girls Holiday”. “Hina Matsuri ” — literally “doll Festival” (“Hina” ” doll, “Matsuri” — a holiday). He has several names: “Jesi-but sakku” — the Celebration of the first day of the snake; “Momo-but sakku” — the feast of the flowering peach.
To this day virtually in every household on a special stand “hinadan” exhibit a richly dressed doll, called “hin-ning,” and depicting the life of the Imperial court, writes RIA Novosti .
The history of the festival spans over a thousand years. In ancient times, people believed that dolls can absorb evil spirits. In celebration of “Hina Matsuri ” was performed magical rites — down the river allowed the particular paper dolls (“nagashi-Bina”). According to legend, these dolls floating in small wicker baskets, were carried away all the sickness and adversity along with evil spirits who caused them. Such custom is now only preserved in very few places. Gradually a ritual was teamed up with popular children’s entertainment — playing paper dolls — and has undergone a dramatic change.
Originally the festival was celebrated only at court and among the military class, but he soon quickly spread among the people. National “Hina Matsuri” became in the eighteenth century, then we add a custom to arrange in homes where there are girls, shows a richly dressed dolls depicting the life and customs of the Imperial Palace of the Heian period (794-1185). It is believed that its widespread popularity and splendor the feast of the shogun obliged Esimone Tokugawa (1684-1751), who had many daughters.
Dolls that are used during the “Hina Matsuri” — these are true works of art of ceramics and silk, delicately painted and dressed in fine clothes. Dolls are supposed to give girls at birth. Often they are inherited, and some families are kept almost since the nineteenth century. Typically, one set is not less than 15 dolls.
The production of dolls doing whole teams. Each performs its own operation. First made of wood machined head, then created the hair, then do hands and feet. The head is covered with Cretaceous complex composition, which then draw on the face. It is very important to observe the technology. If they break, the doll loses appeal quickly or break.
Dress the dolls in gorgeous traditional outfits made of silk or brocade. As for making fans, hats, and other parts of the toilet there is a separate proceeding. Costumes, wigs and other accessories are replicas of real ones. The rotation and tilt of the head, expression, proportions ratio — everything is symbolic and characteristic of some dolls. For example, the Empress should look good, and the Emperor — courageous. Also the wizard must know many things. For example, women, even a puppet, according to custom, should not be visible from under the kimono of the wrist, and for men this rule does not apply.
Approximately two weeks before the feast of dolls in the houses put on a special stand, consisting of three, five or seven steps and covered with a bright red cloth.
On the top step install the most expensive and beautiful dolls that represent the Emperor (the”about-dairy-itself”) and Empress (“o-Hina-sama”). They symbolize the continuation of the human race, while reflecting the cult of fertility. On either side of the main dolls put lights, and in the middle — the tray with the sacred tree, decorated with paper festoons.
On the shelves in the following order of priority placed three ladies serving sake; the five musicians, each with his tools; the two bodyguards and three servants. At the bottom of the lacquered miniature put crockery and other utensils as well as certainly — rice cake mochi diamond shape. Here is set two small flowering trees — cherry and tangerine.
Doll in brocade kimono and lacquered miniature utensils is absolutely not meant to be played.
The room where the exhibit of dolls, decorate. Girls dressed in bright kimonos, and they visit each other’s homes. In a playful, relaxed manner taught girls the rules of etiquette, the concept of the character traits that you must possess the woman, and the ability to treat precious things, controlled his desires and whims.
In “Hina Matsuri” perfectly combines a game, a poetic perception of the world and traditional upbringing. Peach flowers, which gave one of the names of the holiday, symbolize women’s gentleness, kindness, gentleness, and, consequently, a happy marriage. Not coincidentally, “Hina Matsuri” is played a lot of weddings.
There a belief that you can’t put the puppet for long, because it alienates the welcome hour marriage, so they are in the house for about a month, but then again, Packed and cleaned until the next Holiday girls.
