Monday, March 23, 2009

Hina Matsuri (Japanese Girl's Day)

Both DD and I have almost recovered from the flu. It was raining on and off this weekend, but luckily the weather was perfect on Sunday morning so that we could have fun attending Hina Matsuri-the traditional Japanese "Girl's Day" festival right here at Fairytale Town. There were lots of boys there enjoying themselves, so DD was not the only boy attending "Girl's Day" festival.. :) Since my sister in law is of Japanese descendant, I think she and DD's cousin K will really enjoy this festival. Hope we will have a chance to take them there in the future. In addition to running around the park ground, we also got to enjoy the following activities:

1. Taiko Drumming (my camera ran out of battery, so here's a Youtube version) 2. Japanese folk dancing (Cherry Blossom dance). 3. an exhibition of beautiful Hina Dolls and breathtaking Ikebana floral arrangements, along with an engaging oral history presentation. 4. a beginning lesson in the fundamentals of Origami paper folding techniques, and 5. a special recital of the stringed Koto.

DD was totally into the Taiko drumming. He sat through the whole 20-minute presentation without moving! Too bad my camera ran out of battery! Attending this festival actually reminds me the importance of showing DD more other cultural events. Of course, we can't learn much in one morning, but it opens one's mind and pique one's interest to learn more about other people's ways of life and cultural heritage. My friend and fellow Taiwanese adoptive mom, T, is so lucky to have lived in S. Korea with her husband and kids and soon they will move to Germany. They plan to travel around Europe while living in Germany! That is what I call a "dream" life. :)~

(DD didn't want to ride inside the "pumpkin", so I guess he is not into Cinderella story.)

(Make a wish!)

(DD was a little leery about climbing the stairs....

...but he made it to the top and slide down!)

(DD loved playing gardener.)

(Loved the choo-choo train, too)

(Exhibition of beautiful Hina Dolls)

(Some girls came dressed in their beautiful kimono.)
Lilypie - Personal pictureLilypie Fourth Birthday tickers