Plum Blossom

Tea Ceremonies, Geisha and Maiko

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March 3rd 2006
Well, to start off with, Happy Girl's Day. Today was Hina Matsuri - doll festival (yay!). Unfortunately, since there are no young girls (yes, I'm getting old...) in the house, we hardly celebrated Hina Matsuri. Usually the dolls are put out in their full dress along with peach blossoms on tierd platforms. The dolls are supposed to ward off the bad spirits and the families wish for good fortune ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more