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The Lolita Complex: - Scholarly Commons Home

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Hina-Matsuri<br />

<strong>The</strong> Significance of Ningyo Culture in Japan<br />

<strong>The</strong> importance of doll culture in Japan can be observed in the prominence<br />

of ningyō festivals. One of the most notable occasions is the centuries-old<br />

Hina-matsuri. Held annually on the 3 rd of March, also known as Girls’ Day,<br />

Hina-matsuri comprises the exhibition of ningyō which depict historical figures<br />

from Japan’s noble Heian past (794 – 1185), and features the imperial<br />

couple, or dairi-bina, presiding over attendants such as ladies-in-waiting,<br />

entertainers and ministers, surrounded by an abundance of offerings,<br />

including rice cakes and sake, to keep the dolls’ “spirits” satiated. <strong>The</strong>se hina<br />

dolls are displayed in formal settings as well as households all over Japan for<br />

the purpose of bringing good health and growth to families raising girl<br />

children.<br />

What is striking about the event, in context with this current<br />

discussion, is that Girls’ Day is both a celebration of dolls and girls. That<br />

Japan has held a special day for over three-hundred years specifically for<br />

little girls demonstrates that a fascination with the little-girl identity and love<br />

for little girls is not something new.<br />

Page | 138

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