（１３６）　Ｍａｙ　ｄｏｌｌｓ

In March, we display Hina dolls, and in May, we display May dolls. May dolls consist of Japanese armor, a helmet, and sometimes a warrior figure. We display them, hoping that our boy grows strong and healthy.

In Japan, March 3rd is the day of the Girls' Festival and May 5th is the day of the Boys' Festival.

I'm a female, so I'm less familiar with May dolls. But because it's a seasonal festival, I decided to display May dolls with Mom and Dad.

The name “May dolls” is a bit strange, isn’t it? The necessary elements for May dolls are a helmet, a sword, and a bow. A doll is not always necessary, so it is like a ghost.

We can increase the number of Hina dolls. As the number of dolls increases, we need more stairs. In Konosu City, Saitama, 1655 dolls were displayed on 31 stairs in 2022.　

However, we only have one May doll in our house, so it's usually displayed on one stand, not a staircase.
They aren’t as gorgeous as Hina dolls.

The helmet has a pair of horns called Tatemono (たてもの) or Kuwagata (鍬形). The helmet in the photo is a type called "San Kuwagata (三鍬形)" with a dragon decoration in the center of it.

The Western helmet does not have a Kuwagata. Kuwagata looks very impressive, but it is not practical.

Oh, I also have big ears, but they aren’t decorations. They’re very useful.



I’m standing in front of the May doll.


I'm looking at the Kabuto (helmet).


I’m licking the Kabuto (helmet).


I'm peering between the Kabuto.


I'm licking the helmet.


I'm looking at the sword.