Students embrace local culture, tradition of Hinamatsuri

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kasey Peacock | Atsuko Kinjo assists Krista Cala during a class held to teach participants how to properly construct Hina dolls at the Personal Services Center on Camp Foster Feb. 27. Kinjo is an intercultural instructor with Marine Corps Community Services and Cala is a classroom participant.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.28.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Kasey Peacock 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - While stationed on Okinawa, service members are encouraged to experience as much Japanese culture as they can. During Hinamatsuri, or the Japanese doll festival, service members and their families will have the opportunity to join in an age-old tradition, which celebrates the growth and happiness of girls.

During the festival, Hina dolls, which can be made or purchased, are set up in homes, stores and shrines representing the hope that one’s doll will bring peace and a future husband for their young daughter.

Aiding in the cultural development of service members and their families prior to the March 3 festival is Atsuko Kinjo, an intercultural coordinator with Marine Corps Community Services. Kinjo offers classes at several camps on Okinawa teaching participants how to construct Hina Dolls.

“I enjoy sharing my knowledge with everyone coming from America,” said Kinjo. “I encourage service members and their families to get involved in different Japanese culture to give them a better understanding of the country they are living in.”

The centuries-old festival traces back to the Edo Period, from 1603 to 1867, when the traditions included a ceremony in which the sins of the body were shifted to the doll, which was then put adrift on a river, washing away the sins.

“My family’s goal coming out to Okinawa was to get the full experience of the country and culture,” said Stephanie Blacketer, a classroom participant. “Last year, I could not explain to my daughter what (the festival) was all about. This year, I can.”

The original dolls were made from straw and grass, but in recent years have been mass-produced and sold in stores. In Kinjo’s classes, she provides hand-made washi paper for her participants to construct the dolls.

“In Japanese culture, this girls’ day is a big day,” said Michelle Lusk, a classroom participant. “I am happy to be a part of this and encourage others to see what the Japanese culture has to offer.”
While the festival is traditionally a day of blessing, some think that leaving your Hina doll out past March 3 can bring bad luck to one’s marital future, said Kinjo.

Testing this superstition would not be advised if one is looking for a husband, according to Kinjo.

The final element of the festival is a traditional meal eaten March 3, consisting of a salt-based soup called Hamaguri Ushiojiru, which contains clams still in the shell.

Clam shells in food are deemed the symbol of a united and peaceful couple because a pair of clam shells fits perfectly, and no pair but the original pair can do so, according to Kinjo.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2012
• Date Posted: 03.01.2012 19:03
• Story ID: 84602
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP