Hagoita (Japanese Badminton Racket) - 22.7cm x 65cm

Hagoita are auspicious items given as gifts for a girl's first New Year, wishing for good health and warding off evil spirits. The hane (feather) is associated with hane (to repel) bad luck, and the shuttlecock's ball (soapberry seed) signifies mukoroshi (meaning no illness for children), symbolizing a wish for children to grow up without trouble. They are typically displayed from mid-December to mid-January (Little New Year). They are characterized by designs of beautiful women or kabuki actors, and modern versions come in various designs suitable for interior decoration.

Origin: Its roots lie in the Heian period court event Gitcho (a type of ball game), which evolved into a pastime for nobles during the Muromachi period.

Meaning: The feather is said to repel evil spirits, and the shuttlecock's ball (soapberry) represents mukoroshi (meaning children will grow up without illness), serving as a charm to ward off evil and wish for a girl's healthy growth.

Edo Period: With the meaning of warding off evil, designs of beautiful women and kabuki actors were incorporated, and it developed as a decorative item.

Display Period and Timing
Gift-giving Time: It is customary for the maternal grandparents to give it around mid-December, coinciding with the baby's first New Year.
Display Period: The general guideline is from mid-December to around January 15th (Little New Year). After the New Year, there is a custom of burning it along with other New Year's decorations at a Dondo-yaki (bonfire ceremony).
Notes: In modern times, there are no strict rules regarding the display period, and it can be enjoyed until late January or even displayed year-round.

Size: Top board 22.7cm, Total length 65cm

The item will be shipped with bubble wrap attached to the outer box.

Thank you for your understanding.