• About
  • Contact Me

GRITS in Tokyo

~ A Southern Lady in Japan

GRITS in Tokyo

Monthly Archives: March 2016

An Unexpected Love…

31 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by plewis1553 in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

culture, custom, historic, Japan, tradition

I didn’t plan on falling in love – I didn’t even want to fall in love – It just happened.  Like many love stories it was a result of spending time together… Japan and I… seeing the beauty of a country so foreign, meeting people who, although they really didn’t know me, demonstrated little acts of thoughtfulness, big acts of compassion and caring, shared laughter…and more.  People who welcomed us with open arms, helped us get settled, celebrated birthdays, showed their caring and concern when I had a health scare, gave us an automobile, helped me get a job at a Japanese preschool, took us on picnics, sat with me while I grieved the death of my dog, helped me share Japan with my children, grandchildren, aunt, uncle and cousin…and more.  I love my own, but never thought I could love another country…but it happened and I fell in love with Japan  – the culture, traditions and the people I have met here.

And now I’m facing the time that I knew would come, but nevertheless, dreaded.  It’s time to leave.  It is not that I don’t want to return to my country, my family, my friends…I do…but this adventure has been like none I have ever experienced, and probably won’t ever again.  Living in Japan has opened my eyes, my heart and my mind in a way that never could have happened in the safe, security of “home.”  Memories and friendships were made here that are like no other, because of Japan.

We have only a few weeks before we depart.  As I begin the chaotic process of moving overseas – this time back home- I pack with me memories of the people, the love, the experiences and adventures of the past 3+ years.  I have learned to be thankful in a whole new way.  And while I know there will be tears shed when we leave, I will leave a piece of my heart in my beloved Japan and always look back on these years with gratitude of the highest measure.

Advertisements

Happy Hina Matsuri!

03 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by plewis1553 in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

culture, custom, dolls, Girl's Day, gonin bayashi, Hina Matsuri, Imperial Court, Japan, Japanese customs, Japanese girls, Japanese girls day, March 3, sannin kanjo, tradition

FullSizeRenderElaborately dressed dolls, said to represent the Emperor and Empress and passed down from generation to generation, set on intricately decorated shelves in the homes of Japanese girls to celebrate Girls Day (Hina Matsuri), March 3.  The holiday is celebrated by families to wish each female child  in the family a life of  health and happiness.  

 Many Hina Matsuri displays feature not only Emperor and Empress dolls, but dolls representing the Imperial Court.  A full display of these dolls have the Emperor and Empress displayed on the highest shelf, with 3 maids-in-waiting (Sannin Kanjo) on the second shelf, 5 court musicians (Gonin Bayashi) complete with musical instruments on the third shelf and can continue on for several more shelves.  These dolls are individually made, some with childlike faces and features and some with a more sophisticated look (see  Hina Matsuri displays).   

Regardless, these dolls are typically very expensive and not for play.  Rather, they are taken out of storage and displayed each year from mid February until March 4, the day after the Hina Matsuri festival.  Legend has it that the display must be taken down, or there will be a delay -maybe forever- in the marriage of the girl or girls in the family!

 Boys are not forgotten in Japan…Boys Day  is May 5!

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 128 other followers

Blog Stats

  • 10,601 views

Archives

  • May 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • October 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • November 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
Advertisements

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy