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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- 1. What comes next after May dolls?
The meaning of protecting boys and the feelings behind the first festival
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 it was said to protect oneself from war, in modern times it has come to have the meaning of an "amulet" to protect one's children from illness and disaster.
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 accept the safety of a male child and present him with armor and a helmet.
Who gives the May doll?
Paternal or maternal side? Regional differences in customs
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 begins.
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 imbued with the wish that it will wrap the whole body and protect from disaster. Many people may be thinking, "Oh, so that's what it means."
Manners when receiving a May doll as a gift
How to express gratitude
When you receive a May doll, how should you return the gift? The new method of expressing gratitude is called "nai-iwai" (a traditional celebration of the birth of a child).
As with returning a baby gift, it is polite to return the gift within a week of receiving it.
Some of you may be thinking, "Wow, they're giving it back so quickly..."
However, it is important to be able to convey your "thank you" while the feeling is still fresh.
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.
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.
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 custom is meant to express individual wishes for the happiness of each child.
The attitude of "I put my heart into this" will surely reach your child's heart.
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."
If you approach your dolls with this kind of feeling, each season will become a more emotional event. The basic rule for storage is to avoid humidity and store them 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, we decorate a helmet, enjoy a meal together as a family, and express our heartfelt gratitude for the gifts we have received.
Each and every experience will leave a lasting impression in your child's memory, making them feel loved.
