(from Field Museum of Natural History Bulletin, June 1988, "Traditions in Japanese Art: The Boone Collection," by Suzanne Arata and Carolyn Moore, pg. 23 )
"As early as the 10th century, dolls called hina ningyo were used by members of the aristocracy, who regarded them not as playthings but rather as substitutes for human beings to which defilements and evil spirits could be transferred. Offerings were made to these dolls, which were set adrift in a river or the ocean. How or when a transformation occurred is not clear, but customs of this nature gradually evolved into the Girls' Festival, held on the third day of the third lunar month to pray for the happiness and growth to maturation of female children. By the Edo period (1615-1867) the celebration was also held at the time of a young woman's marriage and, as a part of the accoutrements of Girls' Day, a set of 15 dolls in full court dress with miniature household furnishings was displayed. The emperor and empress from the Boone set of 15 dolls are elegant and unusual two-dimensional figures - more like paper dolls. The body is cardboard covered with a luxurious padded silk costume. It must have been very difficult for little girls not to play with these lovely miniature dolls."