D'Anime Isle Japanese Festivals

There are so many wonderful festivals throughout the year, I wish I could have been to all of them. But I went to quite a few and brought back some souveniers to keep with me. If you want your own hand-drawn images, please visit D'Anime Isle.

First, we went to the Cherry Blossom Festival. How beautiful all the cherry trees were in blossom. There was a slight breeze that let the petals fall gently to the ground.

Cherry Tree

All of the festival adoptions came from D'Anime Isle. I am not sure if they still host these festivals, but here is my original certificate.

We attended the New Year's Festival. There are several traditional aspects of New Years including otoshidama, kadomatsu, and kagamimochi.

Otoshidama: Children receive a special allowance called otoshidama for New Years. Kadomatsu: The kadomatsu symbolizes a tree provided for the descent of the gods. Kagamimochi: kagamimochi or decorative round rice cakes are put on little shrines in the house.

Kadomatsu

After New Years, we celebrated Hinamatsuri or Girls Day, March 3

Hinamatsuri Dolls

Hinamatsuri Dolls, representing the emperor and empress of Japan

Next we celebrated Hana Mitsuri. During Hana Mitsuri, offerings of fresh flowers are made at Budda's Shrine, April 8

The next festival we attended was Kodomo Do Hi. Also called Tango-no-sekku, this is a festival for children and a national holiday held on May 5th.

Kabuto

Kabuto: This is a miniature warrior's helmet.

Koinobori

Koinobori: These are paper fish strung on a pole that wave in the breeze...resembling fish swimming.

Tsuyu: In Japan, from June untill the middle of July, there is rainy season, which is called Tsuyu

Tsuyu

The last festival I attended was Oban.

Oban

During Obon, People traditionally hang lanterns in front of their houses in order to guide their ancestor's spirits home.

MechAngel gave me this sweet Happiness plaque. Although it is not part of any of the festivals, for various reasons, it belongs here.

Happiness

Visit my Quill Dedications: DAnime Isle | Japanese Festivals

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This page was last updated 1 May, 2007