Hand-play songs to sing for Hinamatsuri. Songs everyone can enjoy.
With the arrival of spring comes Hinamatsuri, a traditional Japanese festival that has been cherished for many years.
For Hinamatsuri, there are various songs with festival motifs, including the classic “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.” Among them, songs that incorporate hand play are wonderful recreational tools that let people of all ages enjoy together, using simple finger movements for choreography.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of fun hand-play songs that will make Hinamatsuri even more festive.
We’ve gathered a variety of Hinamatsuri songs, so be sure to check them out!
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Hand-play songs to sing for Hinamatsuri. Songs everyone can enjoy (21–30)
Hinamatsuri — Sitting Next to Me —
Here’s a hand-play song to cheer up boys who feel down because they think Hinamatsuri is only for girls! On March 3rd, Hinamatsuri Day, the boy becomes the Emperor doll (O-Dairi-sama) and sings a song in which he looks for someone whose name starts with the syllable “O” to sit next to him.
Since it’s Hinamatsuri, the one who should sit beside O-Dairi-sama is, of course, the Empress doll (O-Hina-sama).
But he keeps making mistakes, calling over all kinds of “O” people—like Otōsan (Dad), Obake (a ghost), Osumō-san (a sumo wrestler), and more.
It’s fine to make lots of your own verses by finding more people whose names start with “O”! Just make sure that, in the end, O-Hina-sama sits in the right place next to him!
Mochi pounding on March 3rd
It’s a hand-clapping song about mochi pounding.
Since we display things like hishi-mochi, a hand game song with a mochi theme is perfect for Hinamatsuri, isn’t it? In the latter half of the song there’s a part where you have to move your hands quickly so they don’t get caught by your partner, which might make it a bit difficult as a hand game.
But with repeated practice, I think it will start to feel fun, like a game.
Hand-play songs to sing on Hinamatsuri. Tunes everyone can enjoy (31–40)
Here are the Hina dolls.
If you’re a girl, you’ve surely admired the lovely dolls at least once.
This song is about giving those dolls gifts like arare rice crackers, hishi-mochi, and peach blossoms.
If your daughter or a girl you know admires the dolls, try singing this song for her.
She’ll surely be delighted.
In conclusion
Hand play songs for Hinamatsuri help bring seasonal traditions closer to us. Moving your hands while picturing the scenes in the lyrics will naturally bring a smile to your face. Be sure to sing joyfully, move your hands, and enjoy the time celebrating the arrival of spring!