The Wicca Book of Days for Saturday, March 3rd

Peachy Prospects

The Hina Matsuri is celebrated on March 3rd in Japan, the intention of this “Girls’ Festival” being to ensure the lifelong health and happiness of young girls. Each household displays a set of hina dolls, representing the Japanese emperor, empress, and members of the imperial court, which must be put away promptly when the festivities are over, otherwise, it is thought, the family’s daughters’ marriage prospects will be harmed. Peach blossoms are also cut and arranged amid the dolls, which is why the Hina Matsuri is also called Momo No Sekku, or the Peach Festival.

Beautiful Blossoms

Peach blossoms symbolize longevity in Japan, so if a Prunus persica tree is flowering in your garden, why not cut a few twigs for your altar or home? Apple blossoms would do just as well, for the apples guarded by such goddesses as the Norse Idun were said to bestow eternal youth upon those who ate them