March 3rd is Hina Matsuri, or the Doll Festival in Japan.
In the Heian Period over 1,000 years ago, people used to float dolls down the river. They believed the dolls would carry their impurities away. This custom started in the Imperial court and spread to commoners around the Edo Period. It eventually became a festival celebrated nationwide.
Though the festival was originally for both boys and girls, it is now just for girls. In celebration of the festival, families display elaborate dolls of the emperor and empress, and attendants. It is believed that the dolls help ward off bad luck.
Many dolls were added to the original emperor and empress dolls and became more elaborate. People also make offerings of white sake and hina arare.
Many people celebrate the festival. They eat vinegared rice with thin strips of egg, pieces of raw fish, vegetables and crab meat arranged on top. It is called "Chirashizushi" in Japan.
Of course, I will eat "Chirashizushi"!!!
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