Easy to understand! How to decorate May dolls | Explanation with photos of the arrangement and meaning of the helmet, armor, and three-tiered display

"This year, I want to properly display my May doll."

If you have arrived at this page with that feeling,
I'm sure you have a kind mother and father.

But when it comes to decorating...

・"Which way is the 鍬形 facing?"

・"Which is the left and right side of the bow and sword?"

・"What is this part?"

I decorated it every year somehow,
Actually, there are many things I don't really understand.


The time you spend decorating it will become a precious memory with your son.
And your desire to "help"
So that it will reach the hearts of the future.

A list of recent compact and stylish May dolls

What is a May doll?

May dolls are a symbol of wishing for the healthy growth of children.

This decoration represents a parent's prayer.



The custom of decorating helmets and armor for boys on Boys' Day is

It is a traditional Japanese culture that has been passed down since ancient times as a symbol of protection from evil and strength.


Among them, the helmet ornaments are meant to "protect them from illness and accidents."

This feeling is embodied in

The act of decorating itself is also a time to express love.



"I want to decorate it properly every year."


"This year, I want to decorate carefully, knowing the meaning behind it."


To accept such parental feelings,

The May doll stands in the room with a dignified appearance.



Every time I decorate it, I think to myself, "This is for this child."


This may be the greatest charm of May dolls.

When should you display May dolls?

There is no set time to display May dolls,


As a guideline, it is from the end of the spring equinox to the day before the Boys' Festival on May 5th.

is common up to.



By decorating early, you will feel more at ease,

You will also be able to spend more quality time with your family, feeling the change of seasons.



The ideal time to clean up is on a sunny day after May 5th .


Avoid humidity and use on a well-ventilated day

Let's end with gratitude.


In some regions, there is a custom of displaying them until the end of the lunar calendar (around early June).



Without being bound by formalities, we say "Thank you for this year"

The most important thing is to make it a festival that ends with a smile .

A list of recent compact and stylish May dolls

How to decorate May dolls and their types

How to choose between flat and three-tiered displays

There are two main ways to display May dolls: flat display and three-tiered display .



The flat decoration is simple and compact, and is suitable for modern homes and Western-style rooms.

It is a popular style that is easy to coordinate.



The three-tiered display has a sense of weight and luxury.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy traditional decorations.



Whichever you choose, it's important to

I think of it as a family time, where we decide who to decorate with and how .


"This helmet is cool."

"It's bigger than last year."


Such casual conversations will also make the time spent decorating a memorable memory.




It's not just a form, it's a layering of feelings...

We will build up stories of memories...



That is the true way to enjoy May dolls.

Basic arrangement and arrangement steps for May dolls

"I placed the helmet on the pedestal... what happened next?"

Even if you decorate every year, you may find yourself confused about the basic arrangement.



The basics are arranged in the following order:

Green felt carpet → pedestal → folding screen → helmet and armor → bow and sword accessories





By arranging them symmetrically and in a balanced way

It gives a beautiful and neat impression.


In addition, the main character, the helmet, is firmly placed in the center .

Let's enhance your presence.

When you feel unsure, "Is this right?"


It's also a chance to decorate with your kids .



Even failures turn into smiles, and the time spent decorating will surely become a treasured memory.

The orientation of the kuwagata crest on May dolls, right and left, and the front and back

The "horn"-like parts on the left and right sides of the helmet ,

This is called "kuwagata".




When decorating, which side is the right? Which side is the front?

Have you ever had any worries?




The basic orientation is a "U" shape when viewed from the front.

The correct position is when it curves inwards .



Furthermore, the surface is positioned so that the engravings and patterns are clearly visible.

If the artist's name is engraved, it will be on the back.



If you carefully adjust the points that are easy to make mistakes on,

The May dolls look much more dignified and proud.


The moment I realized, "Oh, so that's what it means,"

You will begin to appreciate the time you spend decorating even more.

(The armor decoration is fixed by clamping the shoulder guards to the chest.)


(Place the body on the chest and adjust the kusazuri.)


(Put on the face mask, shin guards and fur sandals)


(Finally, a helmet with a crest is put on.)

Which is the right bow and sword on the May doll?

The left and right sides of the bow and sword are surprisingly confusing.



The correct answer is "The sword is on the right side" and "The bow is on the left side."

The basic rule for placement is to decorate with:








This arrangement is called "the formality of weapons that govern battles."

There is a historical background.


Not only does it balance the left and right sides,

It is a sign of respect for the samurai culture of the Boys' Festival .



If you're unsure how to decorate,

Try to think of the left and right sides of the helmet as a pair .



Even the most casual placement has a deep meaning and story.



By knowing that,

The time spent decorating will turn into a time of learning and pride.

Is the sheath of the May doll's sword on the top or bottom?

When displaying a sword, the sheath

What should I do about the top and bottom?



This point is surprisingly troubling


In fact, "The sheath that holds the sword is facing downwards, with the blade facing upwards."

is considered to be correct .


This is a courtesy that shows no hostility.

It comes from the warrior spirit .





Also, during the decisive battle,

"The sheath that holds the sword is on top. The blade should face down."

There is a theory that this was done in a certain way.



The war has come to an end and a time of peace and tranquility has arrived.

There is also a way of thinking about how to place the sword.



Even the way you decorate it

It is imbued with a culture of respect for others and a desire for peace .




The more I learn about it, the more I realize that it is not just a decoration.

It feels like an ornament that is filled with Japanese aesthetic sense and culture .



By displaying it correctly, the whole helmet ornament will look more compact.

It gives a dignified appearance.

The role and placement of folding screens in May dolls

"How should I place the folding screen in the background?"



The folding screen is an essential decoration for May dolls.

It is meant to enhance the formality and status of the place .



The correct way to display them is to place them symmetrically behind the main body.

The trick is to hold it at a slight angle and spread your hands .


The light reflects off the helmets and armor, making them look beautiful.

It creates depth in the space.



Many designs are in harmony with modern living rooms.

The enjoyment of a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine is also expanding.


"Just changing the background can make such a big difference in the impression."

It will be a moment to feel.


That is the power of the folding screen.

It can be said to be the hidden star that enhances beauty .

An essential item for May dolls

How to lay a felt carpet and its meaning

The green felt carpet is called "mousen"

It actually has a deeper meaning.



This represents the green color that symbolizes the earth, nature, and the source of life .

Decorating it with a helmet or armor gives a sense of growth and the cycle of life.



The order of laying the floor is to place the felt mat first, then the pedestal and folding screen on top.


By carefully spreading it out to avoid wrinkles,

The overall impression is beautifully tightened.



Ask your child, "What does this green mean?"

If you decorate it while talking about it, a simple piece of fabric can spark conversation within the family.

It may become the foundation of culture .

How to properly decorate May dolls with accessories and props |

Bonfires, military fans, war drums, etc.

"Where will I display this piece?"

One area where such questions tend to arise is how props are displayed.






The bonfires are placed in front of the helmets and armor .

The basic principle is to place them symmetrically between the bow and sword.



If you arrange military fans, war drums, and battle hats on the middle or bottom tiers ,

It will be a more formal decoration.


These accessories are not just decorations,

It is also a symbol of wisdom and protection that supported warfare .



By knowing the meaning of each one,

The time spent decorating may feel like a journey through history.


Ask your child, "What is this tool for?"

Talking is the best way to learn.

Three-tiered May doll display |

The parts for each tier and the order of decoration

The three-tiered display is a traditional way of displaying things that is luxurious and three-dimensional .

There are so many parts that many people may find themselves wondering, "Where should I put what?"


The basic arrangement is a helmet or armor, a bow and sword, and a bonfire on the top row .




The middle section is decorated with battle hats, military fans, horses, and warrior dolls .

Decorations such as streamers, kashiwamochi rice cakes, and chimaki dumplings are lined up on the bottom tier .



Each layer has a meaning, representing battle, protection, and the blessings of the seasons .



As you assemble it, ask your child, "What do you think this is?"

Try asking yourself this question.


The act of decorating itself is a great time for parents and children to learn about traditions.

A collection of ideas for displaying compact May dolls

"There's no space in the apartment."

"I want to decorate it in a way that suits a Western-style room."


Now that such voices are increasing, "beautiful in a small space"

Decorative May dolls are gaining attention.



On the living room board or on the entrance shelf,

Even in a limited space, there are plenty of places where helmets and armor can shine .



By making the folding screen and pedestal compact, it blends in naturally even in rooms that are not traditional Japanese.

Simply matching the colors of your accessories to your interior can completely change the impression.



What's more important than the size of the display is the desire to show it to children .

No matter what the space, as long as that spirit is there, it will be a wonderful Tango no Sekku celebration.

A beautiful fusion of modern interior design and May dolls

Do you think it's difficult to decorate a Western-style room?

Recently, it has become popular to harmonize with living rooms and dining rooms.

There are an increasing number of May dolls with modern designs .



Beautiful wood grain base, acrylic and steel stand,

There is also a wide selection of items that naturally connect Japanese and Western styles , such as grayish folding screens.


Add your favorite lighting to show your love for your child.

A floating decorative space is created.


There is no right way to decorate.



Delivering your thoughts in a way that suits your family's lifestyle—

That is the modern-day Tango no Sekku.


"Our style May dolls"

Why not create a special story for you and your child?

How to care for and store May dolls after displaying them

I would like to take good care of the May dolls I have put up and enjoy them for a long time.



While the item is on display, the basic rule is to gently dust it off with a soft brush or cloth .


On humid days, open the windows to allow for good ventilation.



When putting away, keep each part dry.

Gently wrapped and carefully stored in a box.

The armor decoration is carefully wrapped without being removed from the stand.




It will be easier to clean up if you take a photo of the items inside before taking them out.




It is also important to store small items in boxes under the chest of drawers.




To prevent moisture, it is a good idea to also include insect repellent and desiccants .


"Let's decorate it again next year with enthusiasm."

Tidying up with such feelings is

This will be the first step in connecting your love for your child with Japanese culture.

Q&A about seasonal festivals that gently support the "feeling of decorating" to convey to your son

I want to convey this now. I want to leave it for the future.

Q&A about seasonal festivals that gently support the "feeling of decorating" to convey to your son

May dolls are not just decorations.


There...

"I want to protect you."

"I want to see your happy face"


It's filled with the family's thoughts.


This Q&A is

To such "questions that lie alongside emotions"

Here are 10 tips to answer kindly.

By displaying May dolls,

How do you convey your feelings to your children?

"You're important to me."

"I want to protect you"

These feelings are naturally conveyed through the act of decorating.

It is "family love" that is left not in words but in actions .

How can we make the time spent decorating a “memory for parents and children”?

"Let's decorate together," she said,

Just open the box while having a conversation.

The simple preparations will become special memories .

What are some tips for decorating to bring a smile to a child's face?

The main character is a child.

"Shall we decorate together?"

Just ask, "Would you like to touch the helmet?"

An excited look naturally appears on their face.

When taking photos, what are some ways to make them memorable?

Just take a photo in the same place and with the same composition every year,

It will be a record of growth.

A serious expression with a helmet in hand,

The smiles that unexpectedly appear are a treasure .

What kind of memories will decorating leave in your child?

I remember them decorating it together.

It will be engraved in the hearts of children.

When I suddenly remembered,

It will become a "memory ornament" that reminds you of your parents' kindness.

How can we keep it as a family event?

If you make decorating every year a family tradition ,

It creates a sense of "home."

It will give you a sense of security that you can remember even when you grow up .

What should I ask my kids to do when showing it to their grandparents?

Have your child explain to you, "This is a helmet."

Pride and family ties

It happens naturally.

I'm worried that this will lead to self-satisfaction on the part of parents.

Children love to see their parents having fun.

If you remember "We decorated it together,"

That is a wonderful gift .

I don't have much time, but I still want to decorate it...

It's okay if you don't have all of them.

Even if you just want to decorate the helmet, it can be done in a short time.

It will be a cherished memory for the child.

What would you like to pass on to your future son?

The fact and memory of "I decorated it for you"

When the children eventually become parents,

It will become a "baton of the heart" that passes on your feelings to your child.