‘Doll’s Day’ comes to the Portland Japanese Garden
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — On Sunday, the Portland Japanese Garden helped bring awareness to an important tradition from the homeland, Hina Matsuri, or “Doll’s Day.”
Also called “Girl’s Day,” it is observed every year on March 3, centering around praying for happiness, growth and good health of girls.
In Japan, families with daughters mark the festival by crafting “Hina” dolls in ornate costumes in the days leading up to Doll’s Day. On the day of, it’s also traditional to give girls colorful sweets.
Additionally, the celebration coincides with the Peach Blossom Festival, since the lunar calendar says peach blossoms are in full bloom at this time.
Oregon-made film ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ set for world premiere at SXSW
At Portland’s Japanese Garden on Sunday, visitors learned how to make ikebana (flower arrangements) with peach blossoms.
“Despite the snowy weather I think we had a great turnout,” said Mayuko Sasanuma, the Garden’s Director of Cultural Programs. “The music performance we had was packed.”
The music and dance performances were by TAKOHACHI – Kotori Kai Shamisen School and featured a Tsugaru shamisen (three-stringed lute), taiko drums, shinobue (a side-blown bamboo flute with a high-pitched sound) and minyo (Japanese folk songs).
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
