A birthday on 'Girls Day'

March 3rd is Hina Matsuri or Doll Festival in Japan. 

It is also known as Girls Day. 

My daughter in law, who lives in Japan, 

was excited to find out it is also my birthday.

The Japanese Hina dolls  are very formal.

photo taken from Wikipedia page showing Hina Dolls
displayed in a store in Los Angeles. 

The dolls at the top represent the Emperor and the Empress.

In all there are seven tiers,

each one ranking lower than the one above.

I thought I'd show you a couple of my dolls.

They're both porcelain and quite different.

This elegant lady, dressed for the snow,

was given to me a few years back 

for Christmas by one of my daughters 

and her family. Isn't she gorgeous?

It's a pity the colours don't show up well,

 the dress is a beautiful emerald green 

with gold snowflakes.

And this wee sweetie...

...dressed in a pink petticoat and ribbons and lace,

would be all of four inches high,

 if she could stand.

She was also given to me for Christmas

by a friend and workmate several years ago.

I have more dolls but I'll show them to you another day.

wishing you all the best 

in the days ahead,

Diana