Guarded by the dragon runner is the case with an assortment of doll pairs, lacquer, fabric, folded paper, and even piled stones with painted faces and clothing. In front of the vase are two carved Ainu dolls and bobble-headed ojiisan and obaasan.(I have days like that myself).The traditional peach blossoms are barely any farther opened than those plums outside in the cold. It seems even the local flower shops couldn't coax those flowers out and farther than the weather man.
My A1 chef of a husband began preparing chirashi-zushi the night before
and made enough for me to take to a meeting in the evening. It was a bit sad with family so far away but #2 son called and in the background was the sound of a music box playing the tune of the Hina Matsuri song and the words came to my mind.
My son told us he had gone to his daughter's school and taken the main Hina dolls and explained the customs and read a story to the children. Imagine that! Little kids in far off Washington D.C. learning about Japanese customs. When I was his daughter's age we were tossing stones in a big dirt pile in someones yard saying, "Bombs over Tokyo"! I had no idea what that was all about. The Ozawa Art Gardens had the most beautiful flowers and bonsai trees and everyone was so supportive as Mr. Ozawa kept a low profile and let his wife run the shop so he wouldn't be whisked off to some detention camp. My best friend left her china dolls at my house because she was afraid that her father would smash them along with other dishes and things that said,"made in Japan" on the back.
My husband had similar play but tells stories of kindness between his own father and POWs. I think we both grew up in families where people were valued and relationships were more important than governments.
So... Happy Hina Matsuri little canine daughter. I'll bet Papa slipped you a taste of the leftover sushi. That face is just too hard to resist.
Great post Julie. I do LOVE japanese dolls and that K9 face - I think I would be giving her more than sushi!
ReplyDeleteJulie, thank you yet again for a wonderful story of part of the culture and history of Japan. It is always fascinating to learn about other countries and their traditions. I love your display case and it's contents and that is one beautiful white guardian watching over it all.
ReplyDeleteHere we will have our big national holiday and tradition of St Patricks Day. We have him to thank for banishing all the snakes from Ireland and it will be our tradition to wear a sprig of shamrock and to watch our own town's parade.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend
I would be fighting anyone who tried to break up my Blue Willow "made in Japan" dishes! They were my first wedding gift nearly 48 years ago and I've added to them over the years so I have several now and they are dear to my heart. A very insightful post...thank you. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteShe is gorgeous, your Nikko. Lovely photo and story :)
ReplyDeleteNikko looks so sweet and innocent! What a beautiful display and tradition! I love reading about your experiences with the Japanese traditions.
ReplyDeleteI was 10 years old when I had my first experience with a woman from Japan. She married a White-American in Japan and had come to the States with him. We were new neighbors so we had not talked to each other yet.
Both my dad and her husband were in the Navy. Her husband was out at sea when she had a kitchen fire. When her cooking oil caught fire, she put the pan in the sink and turned on the water. The fire flared into her face and onto her hands. She came to the door with 3rd degree burns asking for help and refused to come into the house because she did not want to scare the children. My dad took her to the hospital and got a message to her husband. My mom cleaned up her kitchen and took care of their two-year-old daughter. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that lasted until all four passed away.
Wonderful way to display your treasures.
ReplyDeleteNikko looks like he got spoiled with some gourmet dinner.
Debbie
The display with the Japanese dolls is gorgeous and Nikko looks cute! Lovely story..
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be wonderful if all cross cultural encounters improved humanity. Thanks for your gentle stories.
ReplyDeleteHappy Hina Matsuri. Thank you for sharing your stories today. They are so interesting.
ReplyDeleteHappy Hina Matsuri! March 3rd already, time is flying by quickly. I love your paper mache obaachun and ojiichun dolls sitting front left, cute.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy learning about the importance of particular days and seeing the displays in your home. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGreat pic of Nikko and such an interesting historical tradition.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post Mom. I loved having a piece of my heritage to share with Maile's class and the kids had so many questions it was hard to keep up. Much Love!
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