What is a May Doll? An easy-to-understand explanation of its origin, history, and meaning | Armor and helmet decorations for Boys' Day and Children's Day

See a list of the latest compact and stylish May dolls

May dolls are not just decorations.


It is "I want to protect my precious child."
It is a traditional way of expressing the wishes of mothers and families.


The brave helmets and armor are imbued with a deeper meaning: to protect children from illness and disaster.



In this article, we will carefully and gently introduce the origin and history of May dolls.



The May doll you are about to get is
How meaningful is that?


After reading it, you will surely think, "I see, I'm glad I put it up."

1. What are May Dolls? An easy-to-understand explanation of their history and meaning

Now, in front of me is this May doll.

If you think of it as just a decoration, you might be missing out.

In fact, this doll has
Of course, parents want to protect their children,
Grandparents' deep desire to "wish for their grandchildren's happiness"
And it is here that over 100 years of Japanese history and customs live on .


It originated in the Heian period.


It began with "Nagashi Hina," a paper doll used to transfer the misfortunes of children and then floated down the river in prayer for good health.


In the era of the samurai, symbols of strength such as helmets and armor were added.
It was transformed into a May doll, a symbol of wishes for the safe growth of boys.


And now, from the hands of the grandparents who gave it to the mother who will receive it.






The May dolls that are passed down from generation to generation by these hands are
It is truly a " baton of family love that has been passed down for over half a century."


I hope that people will realize that inside this small helmet is a quiet and warm wish that has continued for decades.

▼ Wishing for healthy growth,

If you are looking for a May doll that fits into modern life, click here

▶ See the list of compact and stylish May dolls

3. The deep connection between Boys' Day and May Dolls

When you hear the term "Tango no Sekku," you probably think of it as a "Boys' Day."


But actually--


This event has its roots in the ancient Chinese custom of warding off evil spirits.



Originally, it was believed that bad spirits were more likely to enter the house at the change of seasons.
People have used herbs and decorations to protect their families.



Add to that the uniquely Japanese "samurai culture,"
This led to the creation of May dolls, which symbolize the armor and helmet that protect children.



In other words, the Boys' Festival is
"We want to protect the healthy future of our children."


It is "Parents' Prayer Day," filled with feelings that span more than a thousand years.


The May dolls you display today are handed down from our grandparents and generations beyond.
It may be a gentle yet powerful form of protection .

▶ In the past and now, we all have one wish.

See all May dolls that combine tradition and design

Stylish and compact May dolls: Hinasei

4. Differences between old May dolls and modern May dolls

Old May dolls were large and impressive.


There was a time when it was "common" to line up the entire tokonoma alcove.


But now, with changes in housing and family structure,
They have evolved into May dolls that are easy to display, easy to store, and stylish .






However, what remains unchanged is the "feelings."


No matter what the era, "I hope this child grows up safely"
It is filled with the prayer :


A modern May doll that combines the traditional weightiness with modern sophistication.


It is passed down from parents to children and grandchildren.
It may be a "form of tradition."

▶ Modern x Traditional. May Dolls of the Reiwa Era

See all our compact and stylish May dolls

5. How the designs and materials of May dolls have changed over time

Showa, Heisei, Reiwa - while staying close to each era,


The appearance of May dolls has changed little by little.


From a heavy wooden construction to a compact size that is light and easy to handle.



You won't have any trouble finding a place to display it.

Slim case decoration and space-saving design.



But no matter how the shape changes,

The only thing that remains unchanged is my desire for my children to grow up strong and kind.



In the new design,

When I was able to overlap my grandparents' memories...


What is born there is

It is a timeless "warm inheritance."

▶ Click here for modern helmet ornaments that blend in with your interior

See a list of modern and stylish May dolls

We have a wide selection of stylish May dolls and armor decorations

6. The origin and history of warrior dolls, helmet ornaments, and armor ornaments

The May dolls are depicted as follows:


The image of Sengoku warlords who once fought in battle but still protected their families.



Helmets and armor represent the strength to face difficulties.


It is filled with "kindness that cares for family."



Date Masamune, Uesugi Kenshin, Sanada Yukimura──


Today's children will be exposed to the heroes their grandparents talk about,

A "strong and kind heart" is gently nurtured.



These dolls are not just for decoration,


It may be like a "time capsule that conveys the family's feelings."

▶ Search for May dolls with Sengoku warlord motifs

Click here for May dolls of popular warlords such as Date Masamune and Uesugi Kenshin

7. May Dolls of Popular Sengoku Warlords: Date Masamune, Uesugi Kenshin, and More

Date Masamune's crescent moon helmet,

Uesugi Kenshin's white armor,

Sanada Yukimura's six-mon coin...



The famous warriors in history

As a symbol of "strength to survive" and "spirit to stick to one's beliefs,"

He still appears in May dolls today.


It is not just decoration,

It's a story that grandparents will want to tell,

It is also the courage to live in the future that we want to give to our children.



As a mother and grandmother,

"This is the kind of person this warlord was."

Such conversations can also be a natural catalyst for everyday life.

▶ See more May dolls of popular warlords

Click here for a list of helmet and armor decorations with Date Masamune and Uesugi Kenshin motifs

8. Regional May Doll Customs and History

"Katama (helmet) decorations are mainstream in Kanto, while armor decorations are mainstream in Kansai."

Have you ever heard such a word?



In fact, the customs and ways of decorating May dolls vary from region to region.

There are differences, and the wishes and prayers that go into them are slightly different.



Your grandparents' house has gorgeous tiered displays, and your parents' house has

A simple helmet in a case... This difference is due to the local

The feelings that have been passed down quietly live on.


"That's how it was in my area."


Grandpa and Grandma's voices

It will be gently engraved in your child's memory.


It becomes an intangible treasure called a "family tradition."

▶ See May Doll Styles from Around Japan

Click here for a list of May dolls to choose from by region and style

Stylish May dolls and compact helmet ornaments are also available.

9. The meaning of displaying May dolls: A feeling that has remained unchanged from the past to the present

The wishes contained in May dolls will remain the same even as times change.


Just one thing—

"I want my precious children to grow up strong and kind."


In the past, to protect children from illness and disaster,

The power to ward off evil spirits was entrusted to warriors and their helmets.



Now, by knowing the meaning and decorating it,

The love of parents and the warm gaze of grandparents


You can clearly communicate this to your children.



When asked, "Why do you decorate?"

The answer is "Because I want to protect you"

This is a parent's feeling that will never change.

▶ Choose a May doll that embodies your feelings of protection

Click here for a list of Hinasei's "May Dolls with Thoughts"

10. Family Traditions: The Role of May Dolls Today

May dolls are not just decorations.


It is passed down from grandparents,

It is a gift that embodies your feelings.


"In the past, my dad would decorate his mom and dad with helmet ornaments."


Being able to have such a conversation

It is also a bridge that connects family time .


Even a compact helmet suited to modern life,

My desire to convey this message remains unchanged.


When children grow up,

"He chose it for me."

The day will surely come when you realize this.

▶ Find a May doll that tells your family story

With the feelings that are passed down... Click here for a list of Hinasei May Dolls

Stylish and modern May dolls

Stylish May Dolls - Supporting the memories of your first festival - Hinasei's product list

Children's Day May Dolls Hinasei dolls that are close to customers

Who buys May Dolls? Click here for more details