Julia Tanaka
Girl’s Day: Hinamatsuri
Girl’s Day or Hinamatsuri (in Japanese) is a celebration traditionally held in Japan that happens every year on March 3rd. The festival is dedicated to praying for the healthy growth, prosperity and happiness of girls, especially those that are 10 or younger. This tradition can be traced back to the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868), although some people believe it came from the Peach Festival (Momo no sekku), which was first celebrated during the Heien era (794–1185).
How can you celebrate Hinamatsuri?
1. Display a set of Dolls: Families with young girls might display traditional Japanese dolls called Hina-ningto at their home. This is usually placed at the front of the home specifically because they are meant to ward off evil and misery. These dolls are also displayed with prayers for good health and happy marriages for girls in the future.
2. Eat sweet snacks in colors such as Pink, Green and White. These colors symbolize certain themes; pink for health, green for new life, and white for longevity. These can also relate to the colors of spring, such as the plum blossoms and new leaves growing on the trees. I would recommend eating Hina-arare, which is a Sweet, bite-sized rice cracker in pink, white, and green. I would also recommend eating Hishi-mochi: a three-layer mochi cake, in the same spring colors.
Saint Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day is a religious and cultural holiday held every year on 17 March, which observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. But overtime it has become a global celebration of Irish culture, which is packed with lucky charms, parades and all things green! Fun fact: St. Patrick was born in Britain in the fourth century and didn’t arrive in Ireland until he was 16 years old, when he was sent to work in the country!
How can you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?
1. Watch a Parade: These parades are packed with people wearing festive costumes, usually in a bright green color, parading down streets, celebrating the culture. In Japan, the Tokyo St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held from March 16-17, and sees people turn up full of spirit and energy! It is celebrated in Omotesando and it is free entry!
2. Eat Irish Food: Corned beef, cabbage and lamb stew accompanied by traditional Irish soda bread is a great way to understand Irish culture! I would also recommend eating potatoes as they are a staple in Ireland and can come in a variety of forms.
In conclusion, these celebrations are both exciting, engaging and fun but also involve a rich and interesting cultural history, which I advise readers to look more into as they can make your understanding of holidays much more deeper than the surface level. I hope everyone has a good holiday.
Julia Tanaka