What was "Hina Play" in the Heian Period?

Tracing the roots of Hinamatsuri, we arrive at a cute game called "Hinaasobi" that was played during the Heian period.
This "hiina" has the same meaning as the modern "hina" and was a word that meant "something small and cute."

■ Upper class girls playing house

In aristocratic society during the Heian period, girls enjoyed playing house with small dolls made from paper and clay.
This is called "Hina play."

Not only the dolls, but also the costumes, tools, and accessories such as houses were all carefully crafted, and some were so elaborate that they seemed to depict the lifestyle and court life of the time.
In her diaries and stories, there are many scenes of girls playing with dolls.

This "playing with dolls" was not just a game, but also a part of the "discipline" and "education" that naturally developed in everyday life.

Similarly, among upper class children, games such as "shell matching" and "karuta" were also popular.
For example, "shell matching" involves drawing pictures on the inside of beautiful shells and then searching for and matching them with matching shells. Elegant designs and waka poetry are used, and the game is imbued with cultural elements that cultivate sensitivity and sophistication while playing.

These elegant games later became associated with Hina Matsuri, and evolved into an event to pray for the healthy growth of girls.

■ From play to a form of prayer

Eventually, this "Hina-asobi" became linked to the custom of warding off evil spirits that was held on the "Joshi Festival" on March 3rd,
This was the origin of today's Hinamatsuri, a festival where people decorate dolls and make wishes.

In other words, the modern "culture of displaying Hina dolls and celebrating" is a heartwarming custom that combines play and prayer.

■ The spirit of "Hiina" passed down to the present day

Even today, you can often see children playing pretend games in front of the Hina dolls.
It could be said to be a vestige of "Hina-asobi" (playing with dolls).

The wishes of families and wisdom for daily life come alive in the midst of play.
It would be nice to celebrate Hinamatsuri while thinking of girls from the Heian period.