A full-size hina matsuri doll set (left) with the emperor and empress at th top, dressed (above) in the billowing robes of old, often measures some 150 to 170 cm in height and a full square meter or more at the base. The level of craftsmanship is very, very high—unfortunately, so is the price... Early spring is a special time in Japan. Winter’s chill gives way to warming sunlight, plum and peach trees bloom. It is no wonder that the traditional name for March in Japanese, yayoi, means “new life.” Fittingly, this is also the season for one of Japan’s many traditional children’s festivals—the hina matsuri, or doll festival, on March 3rd.       This is all young girl’s own special day. Dedicated to their future happiness and growth, the hina matsuri dates back to the Heian Period (794–1185), when people celebrated spring by casting paper dolls adrift in rivers to dispel evil. Today, families with young girls arrange dolls in ancient court costumes on a tiered stand, usually with five or seven steps. At the top are dolls representing the emperor and empress, followed by ministers, court ladies and others below. There are also miniature furniture and other accessories.       Although many young girls would love to, these doll sets are not for playing—they are exquisitely crafted, with silk costumes and lacquered surfaces. Not surprisingly, a full set of 15 dolls can cost a small fortune. This, and a general lack of apartment space, has made smaller sets consisting of only the emperor and the empress popular.       Doll sets are often handed down over generations and regarded as family treasures, particularly in older families where the dolls can date back centuries. If this is not the case, parents or grandparents buy them for the girl’s first hina matsuri.       In mid-February, the dolls are arranged in the best room before sweets and mild rice wine are enjoyed in the final festivities on March 3rd. After this, they are quickly put away—superstition says that those slow in packing up will have difficulty marrying off their daughters!       The hina matsuri is truly a time for families to get together and celebrate their little girls. Boys, however, need not be jealous. Their special day is only two months away...