2014 Hina Matsuri, The Doll FestivalNEW

Hina Matsuri, the Doll Festival, is one of five annual observances, or Go-Sekku, that mark the changing seasons. The key feature of this celebration is the display of Hina Ningyo, special dolls representing the imperial family and their courtiers. The celebration of seasonal festivals like Hina Matsuri have had a unifying nature for families in Japan for centuries. "For a period of about a week and a half, the dolls go on display and little girls gather to admire each other's dolls," says Diane Durston, Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture Art and Education. "Family members join in the celebration and spring is welcomed in by all." Families are invited to take this unique opportunity to have their child photographed in a traditional cotton yukata with the Garden's fabulous collection of handmade hina dolls, gifted to the Garden by the Loen and Sho Dozono Family.