Hina Matsuri - Doll's Festival

On March 3rd, Doll's festivals are celebrated throughout Japan.
"Hina-matsuri" is to observe girls' growth and pray for their further healthy growth. A pair of dolls which represent Heian era (from the end of 8th century to the end of 12th century) nobilities couple are displayed with some peach flowers at home and show windows.

As for food, they eat "hina arare" (pieces of fried rice cakes) as snack, and "chirashi-zushi" (sushi which is not hand-shaped nor rolled, but mixed with pieces of row fish, thin omelet, and dried mushrooms) as lunch or dinner. Food for Doll's festival is colorful and contains seasonal vegetables, so we can enjoy the coming of spring.

A Japanese tradition says that you'll be past marriageable age if you don't clean up the dolls after March 3rd. This doesn't seem to meet the trend of the time, but let's respect the traditional Japanese sensitivity of season!