The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles opens the spring season of the On the Veranda Lecture Series with Hinamatsuri: Girl’s Day featuring LA Kimono Club on Sunday, March 6, at 1pm in JACCC’s exquisite Garden Room, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Traditionally held on March 3, Hinamatsuri is a special day of celebration practiced by Japanese families in honor of young girls to pray for their future and happiness.
Hinamatsuri roots are placed back to the ancient custom called hina-nagashi, or “doll floating” where people would float dolls down the river to carry away the bad spirits.
Today, families with daughters display their heirloom dolls called hina-ningyo, representing the Emperor, Empress, and their attendants dressed in beautiful ancient Heian Period court costumes.
On the day of Hinamatsuri, they celebrate by having a party of delicious Japanese treats and drink, and “offering” it to the dolls.
This year’s Hinamatsuri at the JACCC features hands on crafts, hina-ningyo display, and a kimono demonstration led by the LA Kimono Club, where kimono stylist Madam Fumi Akutagawa will show audience members the proper way to wear this traditional garment.
The event fee is $10 for General Admission, and free to JACCC Members.
This year marks the third year of the On the Veranda initiative, a series of lectures and demonstrations that explore Japanese cultural arts within the intimate setting of JACCC’s state-of-the-art Garden Room. With the support of AT&T, the JACCC will continue to present some of the most informative and insightful workshops by trained masters.
As space is limited, reservations are highly recommended. For more information or reservations call (213) 628-2725 ext. 133.
To purchase tickets, call the box office at (213) 680-3700 or visit www.jaccc.org.
