Zachary Rodriguez
Staff Writer
Peach blossoms are not only known for their sweet smell and beauty, but they also play a key role in celebrating Hina Matsuri, a day dedicated to the happiness and healthy growth of girls.
Every March 3, it is Japanese tradition to decorate homes with fresh peach blossoms and set up a six-tiered display of dolls to ward off bad luck and bring good fortune to the daughters in the family.
The peach blossom is a symbol of long life, and the Japanese believe it carries the traits of composure, tranquility and gentility.
La Verne’s Japan Daisuki club hosted a Hina Matsuri event in the Leo’s Den.
“I have celebrated it since I was a little girl,” junior communications major and president of Japan Daisuki Ayla Bobrove said. “It is great being able to celebrate this with the school.”
Different snacks traditionally only eaten on that day were also there for students to try.
These snacks included hina arare, small blossom-like balls of crunchy puffed rice that are sweetened with sugar.
Each tier on the red felt covered display holds a different set of dolls dressed in what the imperial court would wear during the Heian era in Japan.
An emperor and empress sit atop the six-tiered display in front of a miniature gilded folding screen just like the real Imperial throne of the ancient court.
The second tier contained three ladies in waiting and the third housed five male court musicians.
Tier four has two ministers, one who is older with a white beard and the other a younger man, both can be seen carrying bows and arrows.
Hishimochi, diamond-shaped mochi with pink, white and green layers, also sit on the fourth tier.
The fifth row features protectors of the emperor and empress surrounded by an orange tree on the left and a cherry tree on the right.
Finally, the sixth and seventh tiers hold small pieces of furniture, small meal dishes, and other things favored by Heian nobility.
“Today is a day to celebrate girls to have a good life and a good marriage,” senior international business and vice president of Japan Daisuki Alyssa Songco said.
The Japan Daisuki club set up four different tables with different activities for students to participate in and with items for them to take home.
The first table was set up as an origami station to help with relaxing and the second had supplies for students to create their own flower crowns in honor of the peach blossom.
The next station had nail polish and temporary tattoos while the last table offered bath salts for students to take home.
“I have always been fascinated with this culture” sophomore anthropology major Richard Zepeda said. “It’s cool being able to learn about it more in depth.”
Zachary Rodriguez can be reached at zachary.rodriguez@laverne.edu.
Zachary Rodriguez
