Prepare For World Doll Day

I want to remind every doll lover and collector about an important day coming up so everyone that loves dolls can participate.  World Doll Day, the second Saturday in June.  I know you say why remind us so early about an event in June.  Well time moves swiftly and I hope everyone that reads this will participate in some way.  I especially hope all the bloggers will feature World Doll Day on their blogs.  Give your participation some thought and it takes time to prepare.  If you are not familiar with World Doll Day, it is celebrated world wide. Let's spread the word. What are you going to do to celebrate the day?

Below is a copy of the original letter written by Mildred Seeley, the founder of World Doll Day.      

Letter From Mildred Seeley - World Doll Day

Mildred Seeley founded World Doll Day with a letter written in 1986.  Following is the letter:

The Letter

Since you have not heard of World Doll Day?  This is not surprising as of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea.  Give a doll to a grown up, a child, or family friend.
Think of it this way and ship a doll to another country.  I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding.  From the first time I started writing books on doll making, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits.  It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit.  Museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special doll exhibits at this time.  Magazines will put out special editions.  Doll stores will put on campaigns weeks ahead.  Doll Makers will make special dolls for World Doll Day.  There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll collectors gift.  Feel free to copy the logo or have one made.
  Everyone can enjoy the fun as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company.  It's a free- for- all, take up the day, its ideas and fly with it.  Lets do it know.  World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about
 it--only then can it become a reality.  Would you tell five people,  ask them to tell five people, and each of them tell five people and so on.  World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
                                                                                             Sincerely
                                                                                 Mil and Vernon Seeley
P.S.
This letter may be copied and copied again and again until the world knows about World Doll Day.

Mildred Seeley;s World Doll Day Proclamation

The First World Doll Day was established on June 14th, 1986 with a letter by Mildred Seeley. It was created to spread the universal message of happiness and love.

The day is not owned by any company, club or person and no fees, permission or obligations are required.

Many have celebrated the day by giving a doll to someone--a child or adult, but freedom of expression and celebration are left up to the individual. In the past, the day has been observed with exhibits, sales, seminars, doll shows and other doll related activities. Why not plan a special celebration in your community?

The logo was created by artist Boots Tyner and represents a child with a German bisque doll--her gift. The logo was designed for free use to promote this special day and may be reproduced..

Join in this wonderful celebration and time of sharing!

On this 28th year since, World Doll Day
 is actually on it's original date of June 14th, 2014.

Following is a copy of the   proclamation creating

World Doll Day.

Mildred Seeley;s World Doll Day Proclamation

So, you haven't heard of World Doll Day? This is not surprising. As of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea. Bob Isbell, who does my printing, says when I ask for something to be done by tomorrow, "I'll make it hap­pen," This is what l would like to do with World Doll Day - make it hap­pen. I need only one thing - COOPERATION! I need cooperation of every doll collector, every magazine editor, doll newsletter, doll shop, library, dollmaker, mother, grand­mother, father, grandfather, and all the stray aunts and uncles. The first World Doll Day is the Second Saturday of June 1986. I am getting a doll ready to give. If you don't have a child to give a doll to - find one. There are many children with no dolls. Give a doll to a grownup child in the family or just a friend. 

Think of it this way, and ship a doll to another country. I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding. From the time I first started writing books on dollmaking, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits. It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit; museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special exhibits at this time. Magazines will put out special editions. Doll stores will put on selling campaigns weeks ahead. Dollmakers will make special dolls for World Doll Day. There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll col­lector's gift. Feel free to copy the logo or have more made.
Everyone can join the fun, as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company. It's a free-for-all. Take up the day, its ideas and fly with it. Let's do it now - World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about it - only then can it become a reality. Would you tell five people, ask them to tell five people and each of them tell five more and so on. World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
Sincerely, Mil and Vernon Seeley
P.S. This letter may be copied, and copied, again and again, until the world knows about World Doll Day.

WORLD DOLL DAY 2018

WORLD DOLL DAY.  CELEBRATE

 World Doll Day is today.  It is always the second Saturday in June.  I am posting Mildred Seeley's proclamation announcing World Doll Day.  So what are you going to do to celebrate the day.

Below is a copy as written by Mildred Seeley.  Please tell all your doll friends.

So, you haven't heard of World Doll Day? This is not surprising. As of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea. Bob Isbell, who does my printing, says when I ask for something to be done by tomorrow, "I'll make it hap­pen," This is what l would like to do with World Doll Day - make it hap­pen. I need only one thing - COOPERATION! I need cooperation of every doll collector, every magazine editor, doll newsletter, doll shop, library, dollmaker, mother, grand­mother, father, grandfather, and all the stray aunts and uncles. The first World Doll Day is the Second Saturday of June 1986. I am getting a doll ready to give. If you don't have a child to give a doll to - find one. There are many children with no dolls. Give a doll to a grownup child in the family or just a friend. 

Think of it this way, and ship a doll to another country. I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding. From the time I first started writing books on dollmaking, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits. It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit; museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special exhibits at this time. Magazines will put out special editions. Doll stores will put on selling campaigns weeks ahead. Dollmakers will make special dolls for World Doll Day. There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll col­lector's gift. Feel free to copy the logo or have more made.
Everyone can join the fun, as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company. It's a free-for-all. Take up the day, its ideas and fly with it. Let's do it now - World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about it - only then can it become a reality. Would you tell five people, ask them to tell five people and each of them tell five more and so on. World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
Sincerely, Mil and Vernon Seeley

P.S. This letter may be copied, and copied, again and again, until the world knows about World Doll Day.

Today is World Doll Day. (A reprint from the past )

                                     (a few of my dolls)

World Doll Day is today.  It is always the second Saturday in June.  I am posting Mildred Seeley's proclamation announcing World Doll Day.  So what are you going to do to celebrate the day.

Below is a copy as written by Mildred Seeley.  Please tell all your doll friends.

So, you haven't heard of World Doll Day? This is not surprising. As of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea. Bob Isbell, who does my printing, says when I ask for something to be done by tomorrow, "I'll make it hap­pen," This is what l would like to do with World Doll Day - make it hap­pen. I need only one thing - COOPERATION! I need cooperation of every doll collector, every magazine editor, doll newsletter, doll shop, library, dollmaker, mother, grand­mother, father, grandfather, and all the stray aunts and uncles. The first World Doll Day is the Second Saturday of June 1986. I am getting a doll ready to give. If you don't have a child to give a doll to - find one. There are many children with no dolls. Give a doll to a grownup child in the family or just a friend. 

Think of it this way, and ship a doll to another country. I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding. From the time I first started writing books on dollmaking, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits. It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit; museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special exhibits at this time. Magazines will put out special editions. Doll stores will put on selling campaigns weeks ahead. Dollmakers will make special dolls for World Doll Day. There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll col­lector's gift. Feel free to copy the logo or have more made.
Everyone can join the fun, as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company. It's a free-for-all. Take up the day, its ideas and fly with it. Let's do it now - World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about it - only then can it become a reality. Would you tell five people, ask them to tell five people and each of them tell five more and so on. World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
Sincerely, Mil and Vernon Seeley

P.S. This letter may be copied, and copied, again and again, until the world knows about World Doll Day.

Please write and leave a comment in the comments area telling us how you plan to celebrate the day.

What Is Your Plan?

  

There is a holiday approaching that is important to all doll collectors. It is World Doll Day, always observed on the second Saturday in June. This year it will be June 12. The tradition is to give or share dolls. 

The reason I am bringing this to your attention
now, so everyone can prepare to do something to observe this
important day. If you know someone who loves dolls, give them a doll
or buy yourself a doll you have wanted. You can call a library,
museum, a nursing home and do a small doll display. You can even
create a small display in your own home for your family's enjoyment.

World Doll Day was started by Mildred Seeley.  Following is her

Declaration:

So, you haven't heard of World Doll Day? This is not surprising. As of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea. Bob Isbell, who does my printing, says when I ask for something to be done by tomorrow, "I'll make it hap­pen," This is what l would like to do with World Doll Day - make it hap­pen. I need only one thing - COOPERATION! I need cooperation of every doll collector, every magazine editor, doll newsletter, doll shop, library, dollmaker, mother, grand­mother, father, grandfather, and all the stray aunts and uncles. The first World Doll Day is the Second Saturday of June 1986. I am getting a doll ready to give. If you don't have a child to give a doll to - find one. There are many children with no dolls. Give a doll to a grownup child in the family or just a friend. 

Think of it this way, and ship a doll to another country. I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding. From the time I first started writing books on dollmaking, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits. It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit; museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special exhibits at this time. Magazines will put out special editions. Doll stores will put on selling campaigns weeks ahead. Dollmakers will make special dolls for World Doll Day. There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll col­lector's gift. Feel free to copy the logo or have more made.
Everyone can join the fun, as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company. It's a free-for-all. Take up the day, its ideas and fly with it. Let's do it now - World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about it - only then can it become a reality. Would you tell five people, ask them to tell five people and each of them tell five more and so on. World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
Sincerely, Mil and Vernon Seeley

P.S. This letter may be copied, and copied, again and again, until the world knows about World Doll Day.

World Doll Day - SATURDAY JUNE 8, 2023

 SECOND  SATURDAY IN JUNE

JUN 8, 2023

                                                        

      Logo For World Doll Day

       A copy of the letter creating World Doll Day.

So, you haven't heard of World Doll Day? This is not surprising. As of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea. Bob Isbell, who does my printing, says when I ask for something to be done by tomorrow, "I'll make it hap­pen," This is what l would like to do with World Doll Day - make it hap­pen. I need only one thing - COOPERATION! I need cooperation of every doll collector, every magazine editor, doll newsletter, doll shop, library, dollmaker, mother, grand­mother, father, grandfather, and all the stray aunts and uncles. The first World Doll Day is the Second Saturday of June 1986. I am getting a doll ready to give. If you don't have a child to give a doll to - find one. There are many children with no dolls. Give a doll to a grownup child in the family or just a friend. 

Think of it this way, and ship a doll to another country. I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding. From the time I first started writing books on dollmaking, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits. It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit; museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special exhibits at this time. Magazines will put out special editions. Doll stores will put on selling campaigns weeks ahead. Dollmakers will make special dolls for World Doll Day. There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll col­lector's gift. Feel free to copy the logo or have more made.
Everyone can join the fun, as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company. It's a free-for-all. Take up the day, its ideas and fly with it. Let's do it now - World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about it - only then can it become a reality. Would you tell five people, ask them to tell five people and each of them tell five more and so on. World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.

 Sincerely,

 Mil and Vernon Seeley

Are you going to celebrate? 

Mildred Seeley;s World Doll Day Proclamation

So, you haven't heard of World Doll Day? This is not surprising. As of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea. Bob Isbell, who does my printing, says when I ask for something to be done by tomorrow, "I'll make it hap­pen," This is what l would like to do with World Doll Day - make it hap­pen. I need only one thing - COOPERATION! I need cooperation of every doll collector, every magazine editor, doll newsletter, doll shop, library, dollmaker, mother, grand­mother, father, grandfather, and all the stray aunts and uncles. The first World Doll Day is the Second Saturday of June 1986. I am getting a doll ready to give. If you don't have a child to give a doll to - find one. There are many children with no dolls. Give a doll to a grownup child in the family or just a friend. 

Think of it this way, and ship a doll to another country. I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding. From the time I first started writing books on dollmaking, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits. It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit; museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special exhibits at this time. Magazines will put out special editions. Doll stores will put on selling campaigns weeks ahead. Dollmakers will make special dolls for World Doll Day. There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll col­lector's gift. Feel free to copy the logo or have more made.
Everyone can join the fun, as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company. It's a free-for-all. Take up the day, its ideas and fly with it. Let's do it now - World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about it - only then can it become a reality. Would you tell five people, ask them to tell five people and each of them tell five more and so on. World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
Sincerely, Mil and Vernon Seeley
P.S. This letter may be copied, and copied, again and again, until the world knows about World Doll Day.

World Doll Day Proclamation by Mildred Seeley

Letter From Mildred Seeley - World Doll Day

Mildred Seeley founded World Doll Day with a letter written in 1986.  Following is the letter:

The Letter

Since you have not heard of World Doll Day?  This is not surprising as of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea.  Give a doll to a grown up, a child, or family friend.
Think of it this way and ship a doll to another country.  I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding.  From the first time I started writing books on doll making, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits.  It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit.  Museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special doll exhibits at this time.  Magazines will put out special editions.  Doll stores will put on campaigns weeks ahead.  Doll Makers will make special dolls for World Doll Day.  There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll collectors gift.  Feel free to copy the logo or have one made.
  Everyone can enjoy the fun as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company.  It's a free- for- all, take up the day, its ideas and fly with it.  Lets do it know.  World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about
 it--only then can it become a reality.  Would you tell five people,  ask them to tell five people, and each of them tell five people and so on.  World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
                                                                                             Sincerely
                                                                                 Mil and Vernon Seeley
P.S.
This letter may be copied and copied again and again until the world knows about World Doll Day.

Letter From Mildred Seeley - World Doll Day

Mildred Seeley founded World Doll Day with a letter written in 1986.  Following is the letter:

The Letter

Since you have not heard of World Doll Day?  This is not surprising as of an hour ago, I hadn't conceived the idea.  Give a doll to a grown up, a child, or family friend.
Think of it this way and ship a doll to another country.  I have always felt that the common doll could be an instrument of world understanding.  From the first time I started writing books on doll making, I had the hope that dolls would help make friends all over the world and develop a little love among all.
World Doll Day will also be a day for doll exhibits.  It is my hope that all libraries will have a special doll exhibit.  Museums will publicize their doll exhibits and have special doll exhibits at this time.  Magazines will put out special editions.  Doll stores will put on campaigns weeks ahead.  Doll Makers will make special dolls for World Doll Day.  There will be doll competitions with World Doll Day awards, plaques and trophies.
The logo is made from artist Boots Tyner's doll representing a child. The child carries a German bisque doll to represent this doll collectors gift.  Feel free to copy the logo or have one made.
  Everyone can enjoy the fun as there are no fees, no permission needed, no obligations, nobody owns the day, no club, no company.  It's a free- for- all, take up the day, its ideas and fly with it.  Lets do it know.  World Doll Day.
If you think World Doll Day is a good idea, then appoint yourself a committee of one to do something about
 it--only then can it become a reality.  Would you tell five people,  ask them to tell five people, and each of them tell five people and so on.  World Doll Day's birthday is June 14, 1986.
                                                                                             Sincerely
                                                                                 Mil and Vernon Seeley
P.S.
This letter may be copied and copied again and again until the world knows about World Doll Day.

World Doll Day June 14, 2014

The First World Doll Day was established on June 14th, 1986 with a letter by Mildred Seeley. It was created to spread the universal message of happiness and love.

The day is not owned by any company, club or person and no fees, permission or obligations are required.

Many have celebrated the day by giving a doll to someone--a child or adult, but freedom of expression and celebration are left up to the individual. In the past, the day has been observed with exhibits, sales, seminars, doll shows and other doll related activities. Why not plan a special celebration in your community?

The logo was created by artist Boots Tyner and represents a child with a German bisque doll--her gift. The logo was designed for free use to promote this special day and may be reproduced..

Join in this wonderful celebration and time of sharing!

On this 28th year since, World Doll Day
 is actually on it's original date of June 14th, 2014.

Following is a copy of the   proclamation creating

World Doll Day.

World Doll Day This Saturday June 8

World Doll Day this year is June 8.  The day is always celebrated the second

Saturday in June.  I have included some pictures of my Bleuette's.  Saturday I will post more of my doll's pictures and again give the history of World Doll Day.  What are you doing to celebrate the day?  Let me know in the comments section what you are doing. 

 

 

June 9, 2012 World Doll Day

WORLD DOLL DAY 

Second Saturday in June 

Calendar for June 2012 (United States)

June
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  World Doll Day 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

I Had To Include This One Of My Antique Dolls And What Makes Her Special In My World Doll Day Celebration.

I had to include this doll in my World Doll Day celebration.  This is a very unique doll.  She was purchased on Ebay from a lady selling dolls for the husband of a deceased long time doll collector.  The information that I received on the doll was that she was made by Adolf Wislizenus (1851 - 1931) of Germany.  The doll had been given to an aunt of the lady and when the aunt died she received the doll.  I love this doll not only because of her history, but she has a very unique look and is very pretty.  I love to know some of the history of my dolls, not only who made them, but the personal information of their former owners. Knowing I am the third owner to love this doll makes her special. When I received her, her hair had been lovingly styled using hairpins by her former owner and I have left it like I received her.

Celebrate The Day. WORLD DOLL DAY 2014!

Another very small doll display.  The trunk is a small wood box from the Dollar Tree.  The largest doll is about 3 inches tall.  It does not take a lot of large fancy dolls to make a cute display.  Have you made a display to celebrate the day?
Happy World Doll Day to everyone that loves dolls.

WORLD DOLL DAY!!!!!

Today is the second Saturday In June.  This is the day that is celebrated as World Doll Day.  In my celebration of the day, I am posting pictures of many of my dolls.  I have a varied collection as you will see.  This is only a portion of my dolls.  I hope you enjoy seeing many of my dolls.

World Doll Day 2014 - Bleuette Display

I will be posting a new doll display each day this week in celebration of World Doll Day.

Five of my Bleuettes with some of their favorite dolls.

They all love Mickie and Minnie and some of their 

antique small cloth dolls.

Deanna Durbin Doll

Deanna Durbin Doll by Ideal. In case you don't know who Deanna
Durbin was, here is her story. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada of
December 4, 1921 as Edna Mae Durbin to British born parents. While
still young the family moved to California. In 1936 at the age of
14, she was signed to a contract with MGM, and given the name Deanna
Durbin. After a short time she was dropped by MGM and was signed by
Universal Pictures when Buddy Rogers was head of the studio.
She was given the role of Penny Craig in the movie "Three Smart
Girls" in 1936. She was coached by Director, Henry Koster and it is
doubtful that she would have achieved the fame she did if it were not
for Koster.
By the time she was 18, her salary was $250,000 per year and was the
highest paid female star in the world. The profits from her first
two movies with Universal Studio are credited with saving the Studio
from bankruptcy.
Her voice was described as natural and beautiful. Her version of the
song, "One Fine Day" from Madame Butterfly with Leopold Stokowski
conducting the orchestra became a classic. Her singing and acting
ability had the world's adulation and she was the most popular female
performer of her day.
What set Deanna Durbin apart from other stars is the fact she was
never comfortable with her stardom. A very private person by nature
all the glitz of stardom made her uneasy. She continued to make hit
movies until 1948 when she made her final movie, "For The Love Of
Mary" and at age 27, she walked away. She today lives in France just
outside Paris and is a widow. Her third husband French Director
Charles David whom she wed in 1950 died in 1999. Her one request of
him when they married was that she be a "nobody". Over all the years
she has refused many requests for films and interviews. She has not
been interviewed since 1949. The only public contact made by her was
several years ago. A rumor was printed in several sources that she
had become very fat. To refute this she sent a current photo of
herself to a newspaper.

As was the custom of the day in the early forties all major movie
stars had a doll named for them. The Ideal Doll Company issued the
Deanna Durbin doll. From 1938 to 1941, the doll was 21 inches tall.
A 24 – 25 inch version was issued only in 1938. In 1939 to 1941 the
doll was issued in 14, 15 & 18 inch tall versions. The doll has an
all composition, jointed body, brown sleep eyes and a brown human
hair wig. Her open smiling mouth has five teeth.
There were a variety of outfits made for the doll. The doll marks on
her head are: Deanna Durbin/Ideal Doll. USA. 

Below is an article I located telling of her death and giving some of her history.

Spread the Word And Make An Exhibit

Celebrate World Doll Day.  Spread the word.  Tell your friends, especially your doll friends.  Write me in the comments and tell me what you are doing to celebrate the day. I am posting this information now, rather than wait until June 9, so everyone can celebrate the day and spread the word.  Mildred Seeley was a famous doll collector.  Her collection was breathtaking.  She was primarily responsible for all the resurgence of doll collecting and especially the interest in antique dolls. In the future I will do an article on her.  There is so much history to dolls.  So much to learn, so little time.

DOLL DAY LOGO

World Doll Day Logo

May 5th Boys Festival

Boys Festival.
 On the third day of the third month, March 3 is the
Girls Festival of Japan. A day that Family heirloom dolls depicting
the emperor and empress and their court are displayed on seven red
carpeted tiers. Girls celebrate by visiting friends and feasting on
sweets. The  object of the day is to teach girls to honor the
Emperor and Empress and the art of being a hostess.
Not as well known and written about is the Japanese Boys Festival.
The festival is held on the fifth day of the fifth month, May 5.
The reason and celebration of Boy's Day is very different and has a
completely different reason to celebrate. The Boy's Day was begun by
Samurai Warriors. When the peaceful Edo Period (1615 – 1868) begun in
Japan the need for the Samurai Warrior was no more. The Warriors
loved to display their armor and mementos, but had to occasion to do
so. In order to keep past deeds and glory alive a group of retired
Warriors began a yearly festival in which they displayed their
instruments of war. This festival evolved into the Boy's Festival
about 1688.
The sword, the armor, and the carp are always featured. The sword
reminds the boy of the soul of the Samurai, the armor represents the
spirit of the warrior and the fish represents bravery.
Boy's day begins with two tall bamboo poles in front of the boys home.
On the poles are either a paper or cloth banner depicting the carp..
The banner is made so the wind flows through the fish causing it to
appear to be swimming. The carp is thought to be brave and the
Japanese Boy is taught to be brave.
Another symbol is the Iris plant. During the Heian Period (794- 1151)
the Emperor dedicated the Iris plant to ward off evil spirits and bad
health.
Also in the displays are armor, helmets, and swords placed on dolls
representing Samurai Warriors and mythical, historical heroes of
ancient Japan.
These dolls are harder to find than the dolls for the girls festival.
So finely made and detailed these antique dolls compare in price to
the antique French and German dolls.
The boy's displays are not as formally arranged as the girls. There
are generally two shelves covered with a green cloth. Some displays
have replicas of armor in the center with the dolls representing the
warriors and heroes on each side. Another arrangement has the dolls
in the center with all the symbolic replicas in the middle. Standards
and banners back the displays and at the back is a curtain, which is a
copy of those, used in the battle camps.
We see in these festivals the use of dolls as teachers and not as
playthings. To make 3D paper model for Boys Festival go to:
http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/entertainment/papercraft/seasons/05/
http://cp.c-ij.com/english/3D-papercraft/origami/carp-streamer_e.html

I couldn't find any suitable pictures of the dolls used in the displays for Boys Day that I could use,
 but I did find
several web sites that have wonderful pictures of these dolls.  All of them are antiques and I
hope you will take the time to visit the sites and study and read about the dolls and their
significance to Boys Day.  Dolls through out history have had many purposes than as
play things for children.  I will from time to time do a study of their roles in history. Please visit the web sites
and carefully look at the pictures of the dolls as they are works of art.

http://www.antiquejapanesedolls.com/pub_musha/musha.html

Since World War II Boys Day is now called Children's Day and celebrates all children.  The warrior dolls
are still used, but now also are included are streamers of carp ( a kind of fish) that are flown outside the houses and windmills.  I love doll history and this is just another example of the uses of dolls in our lives.