“Spring” is coming soon Risshun (first day of spring) Usui (15th day from Risshun) Japanese atmosphere in Hina Dolls
Japan has four seasons, and there are various old traditions and customs for each season.
Though it’s still very cold in Japan, February 4th is the day of “Risshun (first day of spring)”.
After Risshun, the temperature and the weather may change to the spring.
“Usui”
is the 15th day from Risshun.
This year’s Usui is February 19th.
Usui means
“the snow changes to the rain, and the ice melts to the water”.
New buds begin to appear, so that it’s been a guide to start preparing for the harvest.
And
“Haru-Ichiban (spring’s first south wind)”
will blow around this day.
But actually, the spring season may not come soon; it may come through
“Sankan-Shion (cycle of three cold days and four warm days)”.
Though it depends on the region, you’ll make a good match if you display
“Hina Dolls”
on the day of Usui.
Hina Dolls are dolls to display for
“Hina-Matsuri”
on March 3rd to pray for the healthy growth of girls.
Peach trees and “Bonbori (Japanese paper lantern)” are also displayed together, and people eat
Hina-Arare (a kind of Japanese confectionary), Chirashizushi (a kind of sushi), and sweet white sake
to celebrate with their family.
Hina dolls will be displayed in a calmed tatami floored Japanese room, and it’s a seasonable event to feel old traditions, histories, and the Japanese atmosphere.
Recently, Japanese houses have been changed; most houses don’t have a large Japanese room with the tatami
and enough space to display large Hina Dolls.
However, prays for good growth are always same.
“Hina-Matsuri” will be succeeded from now on.
