Doll’s Festival

Let's light the paper lanterns,
And raise up the peach blossoms.
A five-man band of whistles and drums,
Today will be a fun Doll's Festival.

The Emperor and the Empress
Side-by-side, expressions blank.
The white-faced court lady resembles
An older sister who intended to marry.

The torch reflected in the gold screen
Is weakly coaxed by the spring breeze.
Has he drunk a little white sake,
The red-faced Minister of the Right?

Change the clothes, tie the belt,
Today we too will don formal wear.
Spring's third month, this day will be
Happier than any other, the Doll's Festival.