Hinamatsuri–How to Celebrate Girls’ Day
March, “Sanngatsu”, ３月 is also known Yayoi. It’s the month when the bare branches of trees begin to bud, and the hard packed earth suddenly becomes covered with a soft layer of green grass (“kusa ki yaou zuki” 草木屋弥生月) . The seasonal foods in Japan during March are “fuki” ふき (giant butterbur) “na no hana” 菜の花 (mustard blossoms), and “udo” うど (or Japanese spikenard). Rich in vitamins and minerals and all slightly bitter, these plants are good for detoxing and for fortifying the immune system. The Peach Blossom Seasonal Festival, or “Momo No Sekku” 桃の節句, occurs on the third of March. It is one of the five seasonal festivals ( “go sekku” 五節句 ) that Japan adopted from China along with its calendar. The five sekku are January 7 (Jinjitsu), March 3 (Joushi), May 5 (Tango), July 7 (Shichiseki), and September 9 (Chouyou). Joushi might be more familiar to you as “Hinamatsuri,” ひな祭り. Where Did Hinamatsuri Come From? Japan’s “Girls’ Day” or “Dolls’ Festival” likely originated from a Chinese fest
