The custom of floating dolls in the shape of people down the river so that they will take away ones "stains" -- which are the cause of sickness and other afflictions - hails from China, and was reportedly brought to Japan during the Nara period (about 1250 years ago).〔【出典】Hiragana Times, 1992年4月号◆【出版社】株式会社ヤック企画 〕"HT066077", "2480401"