| Hinamatsuri, which in English would translate to | | | | the Shimogamo Temple collect the dolls and burn |
| Doll's Festival, is a famous Japanese holiday held | | | | them at the temple. |
| every year on March 3rd. It is a time to pray for | | | | During the evening of this Hinamatsuri families |
| the well being and health of young girls in Japan. | | | | bring offers of food and drink to the hina dolls in |
| Many homes throughout the country display hina | | | | hopes of their daughters good fortune many |
| doll sets in honor of this holiday. | | | | include Shirozake a Japanese sake made from |
| This celebration dates back to the Edo Era from | | | | fermented rice, cakes, clam some and a small |
| 1603-1867, when the hina dolls were said to | | | | plate of Chirashizushi. There is also a traditional |
| possess the power to contain bad omens and | | | | dinner served during this festival known as |
| spirits. In those times many believed in a Japanese | | | | Chirashizushi, a sugar and vinegar flavored rice |
| custom called Hina-nagashi, this custom was to | | | | with raw fish place on top of it. Another classic |
| send the hina dolls down the river after they had | | | | dish is ushiojiru soup, which consists of fresh |
| collected the bad spirits, sending the young girls | | | | claims still in their shells in a salty broth and for |
| troubles down the river trapped within the dolls. | | | | dessert many young girls are severed white cake |
| This tradition is still celebrated by the Shimogamo | | | | with strawberries on top. A legend claims that if |
| Shrine where every year they send these dolls | | | | the father does not hide the box the day after |
| down the river in hopes of safety of children. | | | | Hinamatsuri, his daughter will be doomed to never |
| After the crowds have cleared the monks from | | | | marry. |