Tomorrow, March 3, is hina matsuri. Since the middle of February, department stores have been selling sets of dolls. Even the TOYS "R" US in Fuchu had them. (There is another one in Machida.)
The set on the right is a full set of dolls. On the top shelves to the left, there are sets with just the Emperor and Empress. The one on the top shelf is quite small.
A set of dolls is bought after a baby girl is born. She has to be at least three months old before it is bought. Many years ago when Jiji and Baba bought Big Sister's dolls, the clerk at the shop told us "small apartment-size" sets were being introduced. A set of dolls takes up a lot of space, but the storage boxes take up even more closet space! So, smaller sets have become available.
Click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Here is a three-tier set. Ume and citrus trees are part of the set, but those are sakura blossoms on the paper above the set. This set includes ladies of the court and decorative mochi. On the lower tier are trees, guardsand utensils for the tea ceremony. Click to enlarge.
Over the years, sets of just the Emperor and the Empress have become more common.
Here is a two-tier set.
Here is just one tier.
Sometimes one doll like this one is given by grandparents or aunts and uncles when they visit on hina matsuri.
Note the prices. Can you figure how much these dolls cost in your country's currency? The prices at this store are low. Some sets cost much much more at department stores and specialty shops.
Kids Web Japan--hina matsuri
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