What is the first festival?

Hatsuzekku refers to the first seasonal festival celebration that a baby undergoes after being born .

For boys, the first festival is Children's Day on May 5th, and for girls, it is Girls' Day on March 3rd.

On a girl's first festival, Hina dolls are displayed and family and relatives gather together for a celebratory meal.

This is an important event that expresses the wish that children will grow up healthy and happy.

Traditionally, Hina dolls have been given as gifts by maternal grandparents .

This custom is said to have originated from the custom of giving gifts to the bride's new family as a consideration to avoid causing trouble to the bride's family, and as a wish for the healthy growth of the grandchild from the mother's family.
However, nowadays, it is more common for families to discuss and decide on the gift together , rather than sticking to old customs. Sometimes both families will buy the gift in half.

What's more important than who buys it is the desire to make the child happy .

As always, May dolls are received as gifts from grandparents and parents, and are treasured and displayed as "children's once-in-a-lifetime talismans."

There are no strict rules about when to start decorating, but generally people start decorating after the vernal equinox, around the end of March to mid-April. If it's too late, it's called "one-night decorations" and is considered bad luck.

There is no set rule about when to take them down, but since they are seasonal decorations and to avoid humidity, it is best to choose a nice day in May to take them down.

Originally, the traditional idea was to prepare a May doll for each child, as each one has its own significance in celebrating their name and growth.

However, many families are limited by space and budget and choose a doll that can be shared by siblings. Either way, it's important to respect the child's feelings and the family situation when making a selection.

Outdoor decorations (such as carp streamers) and indoor decorations (such as helmet decorations and armor decorations) each have different meanings and atmospheres. Outdoor decorations, such as carp streamers fluttering in the wind outside the house, create a visible sense of celebration. Indoor decorations create an atmosphere where the festival is quietly celebrated indoors.

However, there is no rule that both are necessary. Depending on your living environment, the space you have, and your budget, you can choose one or the other, and it's a good idea to decorate in a way that suits your parents' and family's style.

Gogatsu Ningyo (May Dolls) are seasonal decorations that embody the wish for boys to grow up healthy and strong.
There are various types of dolls, depending on the display style, location, and lifestyle. Here, we will provide a clear explanation of some of the most representative types.

【Kabuto Kazari (Helmet Ornament)】
This is the most common and popular type of Gogatsu Ningyo. It is a simple ornament that centers around a kabuto (helmet) and carries the meaning of "protecting oneself" and "warding off evil."

【Yoroi Kazari (Armor Ornament)】
This is a more elaborate ornament that includes not only a helmet but also full armor. It ranges from faithful reproductions of ancient samurai armor to designs that harmonize with modern lifestyles. Armor is a symbol of "strength and protection," embodying the wish for a child to grow up brave and powerful.

【Koinobori (Carp Streamers)】
Koinobori are often enjoyed together as decorations for the Tango no Sekku (Boy's Day).
In addition to outdoor decorations that come with a windsock, there are also indoor mini koinobori and tabletop sizes, allowing you to choose according to your living environment.
Koinobori symbolize the wish for "living powerfully" and "career success."

【Koinobori】Products here ▶

When displaying a May doll, it is important to first choose a place that is easy to see, at eye level with family members and guests.
By utilizing tall furniture such as sideboards, chests of drawers, and shelves, you can enjoy the beauty of the helmet and armor at a natural eye level.
It is generally considered desirable to face the display to the southeast (Tatsumi) if possible, and to avoid facing north, as it has strong yin energy and poor sunlight.
Also, avoid bay windows exposed to direct sunlight, damp places, and areas where air conditioning blows directly on the display. The entrance is considered a "lower seat" and is not suitable for seasonal decorations.
We recommend a room with less sunlight and humidity, such as a living room or Japanese-style room, and using a sideboard or chest of drawers to add a little height so you can fully enjoy the beauty of the May doll and the charm of its attire.
By simply adjusting the height and arrangement of your furniture, the time spent celebrating your child's growth on the seasonal festival day, while relaxing and admiring the display with your family, will be even more enriched.

Start by considering where in your home you'll display the hina dolls, and the appropriate size and style will naturally become clear.
Measure the width and depth of the display area to ensure there's enough space. If the shelf or table isn't large enough, you can achieve your desired display by, for example, cutting a board to extend it slightly.

If you're unsure or have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to help you find the perfect hina dolls for you and your family.

Many May Dolls, such as helmets and armor, are intricately and delicately crafted, and strong contact can damage their decorations and costumes. Therefore, it is generally safer to display them at a height that is out of reach, or to choose May Dolls that are encased or come in a storage type.

However, it is natural for small children to be curious. Spending time together as a family, gently touching and enjoying the display method, also becomes a precious memory unique to Children's Day.

There are also Puca series May Dolls that are designed with the assumption that children will touch them. While parents decorate them when children are toddlers, as they get a little older, they can enjoy decorating them together. With the warmth of wood and a finish that can be felt with all five senses, they are popular as decorations that allow for a strong yet gentle enjoyment of Children's Day.