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Japanese Traditional Wedding

The Japanese, just like the traditional Chinese wedding, also go through the ‘engagement ceremony’ process. This betrothal ceremony is called ‘Yuino’, and is an iconic gift exchange between the family of the groom and the bride. There are nine gifts consisting of Mokuroku, Kinpou, Naganoshi, Tomo-shiraga, Suehiro, Surume, Konbu, Katsuo-bushi, Yanagi-daru.

Mokuroku: A list of engagement gifts.

Kinpou: engagement gift money that is placed in a special envelope called a Shugi-bukuro, which has gold and silver threads.

Naganoshi: A dried stretched abalone expressing good wishes.

Tomo-shiraga: A long white hemp thread symbolizes the couple’s desire to live happily and grow old together.

Suehiro: A folding fan that widens at the end, representing a happy future.

Surume: dried cuttlefish symbolizing a lasting marriage.

Konbu: Dried seaweed known for its ability to raise healthy children.

Katsuo-bushi: dried bonito that represents the strength of the groom.

Yanagi-daru: cash gift to buy sake. Traditionally, it was a wooden sake barrel.

The crane symbolizes longevity and prosperity, and folding 1001 golden origami cranes will bring good luck, good fortune, longevity, fidelity and peace to the marriage.

Traditional Japanese Wedding Costume – Bride

Shirou; a white kimono

Uchikake kimono; a printed brocade kimono

Traditionally, the bride would have to wear both types of kimono; the Shiro kimono is worn for the ceremony, while the Uchikake kimono is worn at the reception. The bride’s hair would be tied up in a bun decorated with colorful kanzashi accessories and a white tsuno-kakushi, which is a white headdress or hood. In Japanese, Tsuno means “horn” and this headdress is to cover the horn that symbolizes obedience. The bride carries a small bag called a ‘Hakoseko’ and a ‘Kaiken’, a small encased sword that is placed in it. A fan is also tucked into the Obi belt to symbolize happiness and a happy future.

San-San-Kudo

The bride, groom, and both parents perform a Japanese san-san-kudo ritual. During the ceremony, the groom will take 3 sips of sake from the first cups, and then the groom will pass the cup to the bride, who in turn will take 3 sips. This is followed by the remaining two cups. ‘Three’ is considered a lucky number, especially at weddings, as it is indivisible. ‘Nine’ being three times of ‘three’ means triple happiness. After exchanging the nuptial sips of sake, it means that the bride and groom are united, along with their families.

honoring parents

During the wedding or reception, the bride and groom usually take time to greet their parents. The couple would offer a bouquet of flowers or a toast to their parents as recognition. Some couples would choose to recite a personal letter of love and gratitude to both parents.

speeches

Family, friends, colleagues and teachers took turns giving their wedding speeches and blessings to the bride and groom.

Giveaways and gifts for guests

In Japan, the bride and groom usually spend $50 or more on Hikidemono, a favor given to guests. An example of a Hikidemono is a Kohaku Manjyu, which is a round steamed bun filled with bean paste, offered to guests in pairs; a red bun and a white bun.