LIHU‘E — The third day of the third month is a day to pray for a young girl’s growth and happiness. Hinamatsuri is celebrated as Girls’ Day and a special display features replicas of ancient Japanese emperor, empress and their
LIHU‘E — The third day of the third month is a day to pray for a young girl’s growth and happiness.
Hinamatsuri is celebrated as Girls’ Day and a special display features replicas of ancient Japanese emperor, empress and their court.
Peach blossoms symbolize happy marriages, as well as gentility, composure and tranquility.
Some of the symbolic foods served on Girls’ Day include hishi mochi, or diamond-shaped mochi; sekihan, or rice cooked with red beans; fruit-shaped candies; and shirozake, a sweet, mild rice wine.
Originally from Japan, the practice arrived in Hawai‘i with the Japanese immigrants, who were brought over to work in the plantation fields.
It was assimilated by the population to where it is a part of Hawai‘i lifestyle today.
The Japanese Cultural Society took advantage of the special date on the Japanese calendar to celebrate the Japanese culture, bringing together several local organizations to showcase its respective talents at Kukui Grove Center.
Demonstrations spanned a wide range of dance from the traditional dance performed by several of the Kaua‘i dance troupes to a more contemporary number offered up by the Kaua‘i Community College Japanese Club, everything coming to an end with rounds of popular bon dances.
The Kaua‘i Bonsai Club attracted a steady stream of shoppers past its display on the far wall, ranging from the various styles of bonsai from large to miniature, some of its members working on specimen as a live demonstration of bonsai.
Another traditional Japanese item, the kendama, especially popular with younger people, was highlighted when Mindy Hibbitt helped host a demonstration and contest as part of the celebration.
Hibbitt said she will have another contest Saturday at Harbor Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pre-registration starts from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and for the adults, a pizza eating contest.
The traditional Boys’ Day celebration used to be celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month, or May 5, until the observance was changed in Japan to reflect Children’s Day.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
