Japanese Doll Festival Google Doodle
Today the Japanese are celebrating the annual Japanese Doll Festival, a tradition during which families — especially those with young daughters — pray for the happiness and healthy growth of girls. Google Japan is likewise celebrating, having posted a special Doodle.
As part of the festival, also known as Girl’s Day or Hina-matsuri, families display dolls on a five- or seven- tiered platform covered with a red carpet. The dolls represent the Emperor and Empress (depicted in the Doodle), attendants, and musicians. Families traditionally celebrate with a special meal of hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes) and shirozake (rice malt with sake).