Dear all,
Here is the link.
There are so many items here. The Doll Festival used to be a very special event for girls in the past. Each item, of course, has its own meaning, as does its color.
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Hi all, It’s time to give you an assignment for this class, as I mentioned earlier. I always try to choose themes based on conversations wit... -
Dear all, It is just a coincidence that all presenters' names start with Y. Here is the link. In Japan, Buddhist restrictions may not b... -
Here is the link. Have you guys ever tried making mochi (rice cake) using a mortar and pestle? When I was a kid, we usually do it on around...
Thanks for your presentation. Can you briefly explain to me what is the history behind the traditional food eaten on Hinamatsuri please?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment!
DeleteThe origin of the Hinamatsuri event dates back approximately 1,000 years. It is said to have originated as a combination of a purification ritual and playing house. However, the current form of the event began to spread during the early Edo period (approximately 300–400 years ago). Most of the special foods associated with Hinamatsuri are also believed to have started being eaten during this era.
Each dish has its own unique history, as these foods did not evolve as part of a unified set. For example, the early Hishimochi (a type of rice cake) is said to be mugwort rice cake. During the Edo period, white rice cake was added, and pink rice cake was added after the Edo period. On the other hand, Hina-arare (rice crackers) are said to have originated from crushed Hishimochi in the modern era.
Thank you for your presentation. It is interesting and the food looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteI have a few questions regarding the traditional foods mentioned on slide 3. First, is it necessary to eat all the traditional dishes during Hinamatsuri, or are they optional depending on personal preference or family traditions? Additionally, I’m curious to know whether everyone in the family partakes in these foods, or if they are specifically only by young girls as part of the celebration.
Thank you for your comment!
DeleteThere are no rules in Hinamatsuri dishes. We don't need to eat traditional dishes and it depends on personal traditions. There is a survey that only half of modern Japanese eat food related to Hinamatsuri even if they have young girls! In common all people in the family eat Hinamatsuri dishes. But I think it also depends on the family.
In my experience, all of my family ate Chirashizushi which my grandmother cooked every March 3rd when I was young.
I was aware of this day, but didn’t know what foods should be eaten or why.
ReplyDeleteThe colors in Hishimochi and Hina-arare carry symbolic meanings, which I find fascinating. Do the different colors—such as pink, green, and white—also correspond to distinct flavors, or are they purely symbolic and taste the same?
Thank you!
Thank you for your comment!
DeleteIn traditional Hishimochi, the green and pink layers are colored with the mugwort and food coloring, respectively. So, the green part has a mugwort flavor, while the white and pink parts are plain rice cakes.
As for Hina-arare, the flavor of each color varies depending on the product and there are no specific rules regarding the taste.
Thank for your presentation. There are so many representative food on Hinamatsuri for presentation. But, what I'm most curious about is Hishimochi. Is it the diamond-shape of Hishimochi due to the ingredient, the water caltrop? Hishimochi has three different colors- pink, white and green. Any differences in taste when eaten?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment!
DeleteI apologize for the lack of explanation. Water caltrop is not included in Hishimochi.The shape of Hishimochi imitates the water caltlop because it is said to ward off evil spirits.
In traditional Hishimochi, the green layer has a mugwort flavor, as it is used for coloring, and the other two have are plain flavor.
Thank you so much for your presentation, all the food looks both delicious and beautiful. Regarding Hinamatsuri, is this celebration specifically for girls of a certain age, like 18 years old?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment!
DeleteMany Japanese people may think the event is mainly for young girls, such as nursery school children and elementary school students.
However, when I just watched Hina-Doll company website, it mention that the celebration is traditionally for girls who are not yet of age or not married. Interestingly, when I checked the results of the questionnaire on the website while preparing my slides, I noticed that some people still celebrate even after getting married. I think the age is not important factor!
My family has sisters, so we used to display Hina dolls at home every year. I don't think they're on display these years. What about at Yui's house? How old do you have to be to do it, commonly?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment! Actually, I do not remember the details, but I think my family displayed the Hina Dolls until I graduated from elementary school.
DeleteThere is no data to confirm this, but I believe my case is just one example. Some may continue until graduating from junior high school, until reaching adulthood, or even after becoming adults.