Step into the enchanting world of Hinamatsuri, Japan's cherished festival celebrating the bright future of our beloved daughters. On March 3rd, immerse yourself in tradition as families adorn their homes with elegant “hina-ningyo" dolls and savor delectable feasts and treats crafted especially for this occasion.

Join us as we journey through the captivating origins and customs of Hinamatsuri, offering insights into its rich history and the delightful ways it's celebrated. Indulge in the sweetness of this festive season with our handpicked selection of tantalizing treats, sure to elevate your Hinamatsuri experience.

Discover the Enchantment of Hinamatsuri: Unveiling this Joyous Celebration in Japan

Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls' Day, is a cherished seasonal tradition in Japan, where wishes for the growth and future happiness of girls abound. Falling on March 3rd, this holiday is often referred to as the "Peach Blossom Festival" because it coincides with the blooming of peach blossoms. A similar celebration for boys, known as Boys' Day, takes place on May 5th.
 

Dive into the Fascinating Origins of the Hinamatsuri!

The Hinamatsuri is believed to have originated from one of five traditional festivals imported from China, known as "Joushi no Sekku." "Joshi" refers to the beginning of March, specifically "The Day of the Snake." On this day people would cleanse themselves in rivers to rid themselves of misfortune and impurities, and then engage in celebratory banquets.
 
It is said that “Joushi no Sekku” was introduced to Japan during the Heian period, (794 to 1185 AD). At that time, there was a custom called "Nagashi-bina," where paper dolls were floated down rivers or into the sea to dispel misfortune and impurities.
 
The tradition of "Nagashi-bina" gradually evolved into a celebration specifically for the growth and well-being of girls during the Edo period (1603 to 1868 AD). Hina dolls became intricately crafted by artisans and proudly displayed in homes. Some regions of Japan still practice “Nagashi-bina" as a traditional event to this day.

Unlock the Magic: Celebrating Hinamatsuri in Style!

The way Hinamatsuri is celebrated varies depending on the region and household. In households with girls, preparations for the celebration typically begin around mid-February, with decorations such as Hina dolls and peach blossoms adorning the home about a week before the festival. Families come together to prepare for the festivities. In China, peach blossoms are believed to ward off evil spirits, and in Japan, peaches are considered an auspicious symbol of longevity.
 
On the day of the festival, families gather in front of the Hina dolls to take commemorative photos and celebrate the growth of their daughters with auspicious foods.

Indulge in Delicacies: What to Eat During the Hinamatsuri!

Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls' Day, is a time-honored tradition in Japan where families come together to wish for the growth, health, and happiness of girls. Let's explore the delightful meals and sweets enjoyed during this auspicious occasion, along with their origins.

1) Traditional Hinamatsuri Dishes

First, let's dive into the classic dishes enjoyed during Hinamatsuri:
 
- Chirashi-zushi
A quintessential delicacy of Hinamatsuri, chirashi-zushi is a colorful dish featuring a bed of vinegared rice topped with thinly sliced omelet, dried seaweed, and other toppings. While the ingredients may vary by region and household, shrimp, lotus root, and beans are often used, symbolizing good fortune. With its vibrant presentation, chirashizushi adds a touch of elegance to the dining table.
 
- Hamaguri Soup
Hamaguri soup, a traditional Japanese dish, features clams simmered in a flavorful broth seasoned with “dashi” and soy sauce. The union of two clam shells represents harmony in marriage. As families enjoy this soup, they express hopes for the girls' future happiness and harmonious relationships.

- Two Kinds of Rice Wine: Shirozake and Amazake
Two staple beverages of Hinamatsuri are shirozake and amazake. Originating from China, where peach blossom wine was consumed during the celebration of “Joshi no Sekku,” shirozake has become a beloved drink in Japan. Made from steamed glutinous rice and rice koji fermented with sake and mirin, shirozake is white as its name suggests, and offers a mild sweetness and smooth texture. While Amazake is also made from rice koji, it is non-alcoholic, making it suitable for all ages to enjoy.
 

2) Delectable Hinamatsuri Sweets

Next, let's explore the delightful sweets enjoyed during Hinamatsuri:
- Hishi Mochi
Hishi mochi is a three-layered rice cake in pink, white, and green, arranged in a rhombus shape. There are various theories regarding its shape, but it is believed to symbolize health and longevity, with each color representing different auspicious meanings: pink for warding off evil, white for the prosperity of children, and green for warding off misfortune.
 
- Hina Arare
Hina arare are bite-sized, colorful rice crackers that originated from the custom of breaking up hishi mochi into smaller pieces for easier consumption. Typically available in three colors – pink, white, and green – or sometimes four colors with the addition of yellow, hina arare symbolizes the four seasons and wishes for year-round health and well-being.
 
Celebrate Hinamatsuri with these delightful dishes and sweets, and may each bite be filled with joy and prosperity!

Try Zelico's Limited Edition “Choco-Arare” Rice Crackers

As you dive into the fascinating origins and delectable treats of Hinamatsuri, you may find yourself longing to partake in the festivities. Look no further! Introducing Zelico's mouthwatering Hinamatsuri sweets, the perfect addition to your celebration.
 
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our “Choco-Arare," slightly-salty rice crackers delicately coated with matcha chocolate or strawberry chocolate. Conveniently packed in individual bags, they're ideal for snacking on the go or sharing with loved ones. Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with each delightful bite.
 
Don't miss out on the magic of Hinamatsuri! Click below to discover more about our irresistible Limited Edition “Choco-Arare Matcha" and “Choco-Arare Strawberry."

Indulge in “Choco-Arare” this Hinamatsuri!

Discover the joy of celebrating Hinamatsuri with us! We've unveiled the secrets of this cherished festival and introduced the delightful dishes and sweets enjoyed during the festivities. Hinamatsuri is all about celebrating the growth and happiness of girls, and what better way to do so than with Zelico's delicious Limited Edition “Choco-Arare Matcha" and “Choco-Arare Strawberry"? Add a touch of sweetness to your family's wonderful Hinamatsuri celebration with our irresistible treats!