March 3rd, Hinamaturi/雛祭り.
Hinamaturi/雛祭り is a festival and day celebrated by Japanese people. It is also known as girls’ festival or the festival of dolls, its deep-rooted tradition goes all the way back to the Heian period [794 to 1185], although it may have started with more simple decorations such as paper dolls this day is still celebrated in modern society. Hinamaturi symbolises growth, happiness and prosperity of young girls, mainly through decorations and food. Hina Ningyo [Dolls] are set on platforms, they are usually over three tiers depending on the set and the dolls itself symbolise the imperial family. The top platform has the Odarisama\お内裏様 [emperor] and the Ohinasama/お雛様 [empress], and on the lower platforms there are usually over three court ladies. There may also be other decorative pieces such as carriages, gift boxes, omochi on stands, mandarin and Sakura trees.The women are usually in red while the man in a rich navy blue, even by the clothing status can be clearly seen.
During Hinamaturi雛祭り there are certain foods that are eaten, the most common are: Hishimochi, a three-tier rice cake usually in a white, pale pink and green, Hina Arare sweet puffy rice crackers the size of marbles, but can vary in shape commonly in yellow, white, pale green, Sakura pink, Hamaguri-no-osuimono is a delicate clam soup and Chirashi-zushi a scattered sushi rice with lotus root, shitake and carrot.
Enna Mari 