Hina Matsuri 2

Japanese Holiday: Hina Matsuri 2 (雛祭り)

Mar

23

2009

Alright, so here are the remainder of the dolls:

The third platform contains five figures of musicians called go nin bayashi (五人囃子). There are three drum players, one of them holds a drum called taiko (太鼓) and is seated. The other two drums players are both standing. There is also a flute player with a fue (笛) or flute and a singer or utaika (謡い方) carrying a fan called sensu (扇子).

The fourth platform contains two government officials. The minister of the right is called the udaijin (右大臣). The minister of the left is called the sadaijin (左大臣). The ministers are separated by tables called ozen (お膳).

The fifth platform is the funniest platform. (At least to me it is.) There are three samurai (さむらい) of various temperments in drinking. For example the sad samurai drinker is called nakijougo (泣き上戸) and the grouchy drinker is called okorijougo (怒り上戸). Lastly the cheerful drinker is called the waraijougo (笑い上戸). I wonder how appropriate this is for a present to a child, but I think most kids don’t pay attention beyond the second platform, so it may not matter in the end.

The sixth platform contains various chests or storage boxes. For example there’s a nagamochi (長持) which is a storage box for kimonos (きもの). There’s also a sewing kit called haribako (針箱) and a tea utensil kit called a daisu (台子).

The seventh platform contains a bunch of items used for transportation. For example there’s a palanquin called a gokago (御駕籠) and an ox cart carriage called a goshokuruma (御所車).

Stay tuned for more on the Hina Matsuri (雛祭り)!