VIDEO: Speakin' Japanese: March 3 is Girl’s Day

In Japan, March 3 marks Hinamatsuri, or Girl’s Day, a traditional holiday to celebrate the nation’s girls.

This day includes elaborate sets of dolls and various foods served at home meant to wish health, happiness and prosperity to the family’s daughters.

You may spot these hina dolls in Japanese homes, meaning the family most likely has a daughter and they are sincerely wishing for her healthy growth and good luck in her life. Many department stores also display large, elaborate hina doll displays, so keep an eye out for those. Please be sure to tell them how beautiful the dolls are. I’m sure they will smile and be very pleased with your kind comments. We have a daughter, and are celebrating the holiday with our set of hina dolls, too! 

Today’s Japanese phrase is: “Kireina hinaningyo desune!” means what a beautiful set of hina dolls it is! 

("kireina" = beautiful, "hinaningyo" = hina dolls, ".. desune!" = what a .. it is!) 

Stay safe and have a very special girl’s day with a traditional hinamatsuri!