May dolls, first festival, Boys' Festival | What are the customs? Manners, return gifts, wedding gifts, dinner parties
May Dolls, First Children's Day, Boys' Day | What are the customs?
My son's first Children's Day celebration.
I've prepared the May doll, but are there any etiquette for giving something in return?
I would like to invite my parents over for a dinner party to celebrate the Boys' Festival.
What should I do...?
For those who have such concerns,
We will explain the general customs and traditions of the first Doll Festival.
Please feel free to use this as a reference.
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The four seasons of May dolls represent the protection of boys, and the thoughts behind the first festival
When the spring sunshine becomes pleasant,
There is a first festival that a boy celebrates after he is born.
The May dolls displayed at this turning point are
It contains a deep wish from parents to their child that they will grow up safely .
The custom of May dolls originated from a custom once passed down in samurai families.
Just as people protect themselves from war, in modern times people also protect their children from illness and disaster.
Its meaning as a talisman has been passed down.
The origin of May dolls from the four seasons of the first festival
Knowing the "reason for decorating" will make your celebration even more special
The first festival is the first celebration a child receives after being born.
For boys, May dolls are displayed on the Boys' Day festival on May 5th, in hopes of their healthy growth and happiness.
This custom is ancient and is said to have originated from the "Evil-warding Festival" that originated in China in Nara.
In samurai society, this custom spread to include presenting a boy with armor and a helmet as a token of acceptance of his safety.
Who gives the May doll?
Paternal or maternal side? Differences in customs by region
Who prepares the May dolls? This is a question that is often discussed in many households.
Generally, the ceremony is that the gift is given by the mother's family,
In some regions, the roles are decided such that the father is responsible for the outer decorations and the mother is responsible for the inner decorations.
I am truly grateful for the thought that it was given for this child.
How to decorate May dolls and etiquette
When to decorate and when to take down?
Cherish the good luck
Many people are wondering when to display their May dolls.
Generally, it is considered best to start decorating after the Vernal Equinox (around March 20th).
This time of year is when the spring equinox has ended ,
Since ancient times, this has been considered an auspicious time to start something new.
Types of May Dolls and the Customs Behind Their Selection
The meaning of helmets, armor, and display cases
Did you know that there are surprisingly many different types of May dolls?
The helmet ornament has the meaning of "protection,"
The armor decoration is meant to encase the entire body and protect from misfortune.
I'm sure many of you are thinking, "Oh, so that's what it means."
Click here for a list of compact May dolls
Manners when receiving a May doll as a gift
How to express gratitude
What should I give in return when I receive a May doll?
The new method of expressing gratitude in the form of "nai-iwai" is considered the basis.
Just like a return gift for a birth gift,
It is best to return it within one week of receiving it.
Well, I'll get back to you soon...
Some of you may be thinking, ``What is this?''
But while the feeling is fresh
It's important to be able to say "thank you."
The most important thing is to convey your gratitude.
I'm sure the person who gave it to me will be touched by those words.
Reference sites
How to give a return gift for a May doll celebration
Customs and how to hold a dinner party for the first festival of the year
A celebratory dinner table setting with smiles on my face and my mother
One of the important customs for the first Doll Festival is to hold a celebratory dinner party.
It has been passed down as a banquet to celebrate the birth and pray for growth.
This day as a parent will surely be a memorable one for your family.
Click here for a list of May dolls for the first festival
Do siblings also need May dolls?
Parents' feelings go beyond the "one per person" threshold
Even if you have siblings, it is considered ideal to have one May doll for each child.
You may be thinking, "Oh, so it's not okay to share it?"
This tradition is based on the happiness of each child.
It means to make an individual wish.
The attitude of "I put my heart and soul into this"
It should reach the hearts of children.
This is the only May doll just for this child.
It could be a small token of love that tells you, "You're special."
How to store May dolls and traditional customs
To feel this way every year
The time to welcome the May dolls is also a time to give thanks.
"Let's be healthy again next year."
By facing the dolls with this kind of feeling, each season becomes a more emotionally enriching event.
The basic rule of storage is to avoid humidity and store in a well-ventilated place.
Add some desiccant and insect repellent and carefully wrap the item in a case or cloth.
Passing on the May Doll Tradition to the Next Generation
A collection of inspiring ideas to connect seasonal festival memories with your family
The May doll tradition is not just an old custom that should be followed.
It quietly conveys the message that "you are an important person."
On the first festival, people decorate their homes with helmets, enjoy a meal together as family, and express heartfelt gratitude for the gifts they have received.
Each and every experience will leave a lasting impression in your child's memory, making them feel loved.
