What are Hina Dolls? Hina ningyo?

Hina dolls are decorations for the Girls' Festival (March 3rd). In Japan, they are called "hina dolls" or "ohinasama." They are generally displayed around the Setsubun festival in February for the first festival of a girl's life, but many people who can't wait much longer display them. Customers sometimes ask me, "How long will you display them for? Until what age will you display them?" To the question, "How long will you display them for?", I answer, "Any time after Hinamatsuri, as long as the weather is good and it's convenient for you," and to the question, "Until what age will you display them for?", I answer, "They're your own dolls, so you can decide for yourself." Hina dolls are decorations that pray for the health and good fortune of women.

Hina-ningyo Shichidan Kazari

This set of Hina Dolls is considered the standard. The most popular Hina matsuri song is singing about these ones. You will hear all the dolls and items in Shichidan kazari (7 steps). There are a lot of types of Hina Dolls these days, each doll and item arranged based on this standard set.

Hina-ningyo Sandan Kazari

This 3 spep-altars style Hina are popular because it is smaller than 7 steps. Dolls and items on the first, second, and seventh altar from 7 step-altars of Hina dolls set are decorated from the top to the bottom, and flowers are put on the third platform of this 3 step-altars Hina dolls set.

Hina-ningyo Shin-noh Kazari

This flat style Hina Dolls are the smallest. Dolls and items on the first altar of 7 step-altars of Hina dolls set are decorated, and flowers are put in front of bonbori lights.

Details of Hina Dolls display for seven step display

The top pedestal

This is the most important platform because it is a only platform which can be called Hina-dolls. Dolls: the dolls of Dairi-bina means Emperor and Empress of the imperial dolls. Decorations: Byoubu, San-pou, bonbori, and the other decorations.

Details of the top pedestal

Second tier decoration

This tier has three court ladies. The simplest Hina Dolls are only Sin-nou-kazari of the first platform. However, some people prefer decorating a three-steps-altar of Hina Dolls which must have this platform. Decorations: Any one of takatsuki, hishidai, or hogai is chosen for the decorations

Details of the second tier decoration

Third tier decoration

This tier holds five musicians. Decorations: Nothing.

Details of the third tier decoration

Fourth tier decoration

This tier holds two Samurai guards. Decorations: Hishidai, Zen-zoroe.

Details of the forth tier decoration

Fifth tier decoration

This tire has three men and flowers. Dolls: They are called San-nin shichou or Jichou. Flowers: Sakura, tachibana, it means cherry blossom and oranges.

Details of the fifth tier decoration

Sixth tier decoration

These ones are the furniture as bridal trousseau. Miniature furniture of Hina Doll is really popular these days. Decorations: Tansu, Nagamochi. Hibachi, Haribako, Kyoudai, Cha-dougu.

Details of the sixth tier decoration

Seventh tier decoration

These ones are things to bring a person and food boxes. This tire is often used for three-steps-altar of Hina Dolls for the third platform. Decorations: Okago, Ju-bako, Gosyoguruma.