Hina-Matsuri (Girls’ Day or Doll Festival) is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on March 3rd to pray for the health, happiness, and prosperity of young girls.
I visited the Japanese Hina-Matsuri (Doll Festival) held at Simpson United Methodist Church in Denver. I invited my grown-up daughter, hoping to share a bit of Japanese culture with her.
At my parents’ home in Japan, there is a Seven-tiered Hina doll set that my mother brought with her when she got married, but it has been stored away in boxes for years, and I rarely get the chance to see it in person.
My main purpose for attending this event was to see a Seven-tiered Hina doll display up close.
↑ Seven-tiered Hina doll display
The wedding ceremonies of Heian-period (794 - 1185) aristocrats were elaborate events reflecting the customs and aesthetics of the time.
↑ Palatial Hina doll display
↑ Precious Moments Doll
I thoroughly enjoyed the event, where various Japanese dolls were on display.
↑ "Kaiawase" is a traditional Japanese game that was popular among aristocrats during the Heian period. In this game, players match pairs of clamshells based on their patterns and shapes.
↑ Doll modeled after a historical Japanese girl
In addition, there were demonstrations of tea ceremony, displays of ikebana (flower arrangement), performances of the koto (Japanese harp), taiko (drumming), and karate, all of which provided great entertainment.
I was able to experience a variety of Japanese culture, making it a very enriching time.
↑ Performances of the koto (Japanese harp)
↑ The Yamaga Lantern Dance
"Yamaga Lanterns," which are made only from washi paper and glue. These lanterns have been passed down since the Muromachi period (1336 - 1568). During the dance, performers hold these lanterns on their heads, lighting them to create a graceful and beautiful display.
In the tea ceremony demonstration, guests were able to observe the process from when they entered the tea room until the end of the tea gathering, accompanied by explanations. At the end, tea and sweets were served to the audience.
Additionally, handmade lunches, edamame rice balls, and soba noodles wrapped in fried tofu were also sold, offering a taste of Japanese home cooking.
This venue, the "Simpson United Methodist Church," is the oldest Japanese American church in Colorado, established by the first generation of Japanese immigrants. If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting!
Simpson United Methodist Church
6001 Wolff St., Arvada, CO 80003-6833
Main Office Phone: 303-428-7963
https://www.simpsonumc.com/
Report by Kayoko B