COURTESY OF THE JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER OF HAWAII Kimono dressing will be part of the Girl's Day festivities at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii Sunday.

Celebrating
girls’ grace

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Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

Sugar and spice, and everything nice -- that is what little girls are made of, and that is what is celebrated in many cultures.

In ancient Japan, a girl's day festival was celebrated on the third day of the third month in honor of daughters. The holiday is also known as the Peach Blossom Festival because the peach blossom represents virtues and characteristics -- such as sweetness, gentleness, beauty, grace and serenity -- associated with girls and young women.

To mark girl's day, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is hosting "Hina Matsuri -- A Taste of the East and the West" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The festivities include kimono dressing, an English-style tea party, Japanese music, arts and crafts, keiki activities and Japanese doll displays from private collectors.

Girls of all ages can participate in an authentic kimono makeover by professional kimono dressers in the center's dojo. The cost of the make-overs is $75, which includes kimono dressing and two 5-by-7 photos.

Tea parties are another option. Held in the Teruya Courtyard, the repast will feature scones, finger sandwiches, cookies, fruits and a variety of teas. The cost is $23 for adults and $15 for children under 12. For a taste of the East, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony will be presented by the Urasenke Foundation of Hawaii in the Seikoan Teahouse on the fourth floor. Keiki can experience a wide range of hands-on activities. Among the arts and crafts projects are Hina dolls, personalized bookmarks, origami Hina Ningyou, a cherry blossom collage and Japanese beanbags.

For reservations for the tea party or kimono dressing, call 945-7633. Walk-ins will be accepted.

Neighbor Island events

Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Maui: The celebration features a kimono fashion show with mother-and-daughter models, Japanese dance presentations and a champagne brunch. Handmade dolls by students of Sayoko Kobata will be available for sale. Family activities include origami, and a "Little Women" makeover station with hair wraps and nail polish. Brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday with featured Japanese specialties such as yakisoba, teppanyaki steak, mochi and rice cakes. Cost is $28.95 for adults, $24.95 for kamaaina, $14.50 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 5. Call 808-667-0124 for reservations.

Hapuna Beach Hotel, Kohala Coast: The Hakone Steakhouse and Sushi Bar presents traditional girl's day festivities through March 4. Japanese doll displays may be viewed from 6 to 9 p.m. March 1 through 4. On Sunday, a chanoyu (tea ceremony) will be performed in a tranquil oriental setting. On Monday, calligraphy and origami-folding demonstrations will be presented. Call 808-880-3192.

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