QuickNote: HinaMatsuri

I keep putting off writing about the actual return to Kansai, but I promise it's not intentional! Here's a quick note about ひなまつり。(Girl's Day)

So, hinamatsuri is held on March 3rd, (the third day of the third month.) What I wanted to write about really quick is the dolls. (There's a Boy's Day too, but I don't know much about it)

Hinamatsuri dolls aren't dolls to be played with, but are more like ceremonial displays that are handed down from generation to generation. The dolls are dressed up in traditional kimonos from the Heian period. (794-1194, about) I've studied the Heian period quite a bit, and while it was a time of immense cultural flourishing, it was also a time where less than 10% of the nation held 90% of its wealth, murder, theft and rape were rampant, and most people lived pretty miserable lives. Interestingly enough, because of this imbalance the aristocracy were able to live really luxurious lives, which provided them with the leisure and stability needed to create amazing works of art, including calligraphy, monogatari (narratives) poetry, and paintings. That's a little off-subject, though, so I'll get back to the dolls.

The dolls are set up on platforms that symbolize the tiers of Heian society, in a sense. On the top, of course, is the Emperor and his wife. Below him are servants, then musicians, and finally peasants and things. The dolls are extremely detailed and really expensive. Here's an example of a display that can be found at the local Toys R Us.

A ひな祭り　display for sale at Toys R Us

This particular set is a kind of deluxe, top of the line set available today. Sets can also be found at department stores, and are also passed down from mother to daughter. When I looked at how much a set like this cost, I understood why it's common for them to be passed down!

That's over $1000!

Again, this is a really nice set, and could easily be passed down for generations. Still, that price tag boggled me! I hope that whichever little girl gets that set appreciates it!