Mar 03, 2018
Girls' Day 2018
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today, two Japanese hina dolls—an Emperor and Empress—preside over the Google colors in celebration of Hinamatsuri, an annual Japanese festival during which families wish for the health and happiness of their young girls. Also known as Girls’ Day, Hinamatsuri is believed to be rooted in the Heian-period custom nagashi-bina, where straw-and-paper dolls were placed in boats and floated down rivers to spirit away misfortune.
Though nagashi-bina ceremonies are still part of Hinamatsuri festivities in some regions, the day is more widely celebrated with elaborate displays of dolls (hina-ningyo) symbolically arranged on five- to seven-step platforms draped in red carpet. Each step depicts a different scene, always beginning with the Emperor and Empress, who are dressed in colorful kimonos that represent ancient court costumes.
These splendid arrangements decorate restaurants, shops, and family homes in the month leading up to Hinamatsuri. On festival day, people partake in traditional food and drink, such as chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi), shirozake (sweet white sake), and hishimochi (red, white, and green rice cakes shaped like diamonds).
Today’s Doodle honors Hinamatsuri with two hina-ningyo handcrafted from paper. In a special homage, the Emperor and Empress’ robes are fashioned from chiyogami, Japanese origami paper. Cherry blossoms—another symbol of this festive day—bloom above them, imparting good luck.
Where this Doodle appeared
Discover more Doodles by color
Did you know?
The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
Learn MoreDid you know?
Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
Learn MoreDid you know?
The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
Learn More