subject: Understanding Japanese Wedding Traditions [print this page] A Japanese wedding ceremony and reception are full of fun traditions! Even if you choose not to have an authentic Japanese wedding, you can incorporate some of the traditions into your special day.
Traditional Japanese weddings occur in Shinto shrines. In Japanese mythology, all things were created with the marriage of the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Legend has it the gods came from heaven to earth on a floating bridge. Their union created the sun, moon, mountains, trees, wind and of course Japan!
In traditional ceremonies, the bride is painted white from head to toe, with a white kimono and an elaborate headpiece for her bridal jewelry. Her headpiece is decorated with a number of different ornaments that are meant to symbolize good luck. The tradition of wearing a white silk kimono dates back to the 1700s. The brides attire is meant to symbolize both a beginning and an end the bride is ending her former life in her fathers home and beginning a new one in her husbands home. Modern brides should incorporate purple into their wedding attire, as this is the color of love in Japan.
The groom dresses in a black kimono with a white family crest. He also wears a pleated, floor-length stripped skirt known as a hakama. The outfit is finished with a pair of white sandals.
The wedding ceremony honors kami, which are the spirits of the natural world. After a purification ceremony, where the bride and groom wash their hands and mouth the priest will ask a blessing upon the couple. The ceremony ends with sharing sake from three flat cups, known as san-san-kudo. This part of the ritual is performed differently based on family traditions. In most cases, the bride and groom each take three sips from the first cup, then three sips each from the second and third cups. The cups of sake are then passed among family members so they can partake as well.
There are several ways to reflect a Japanese wedding theme in your wedding accessories. From wedding table decorations and wedding reception favors to ethnic wedding cake toppers the possibilities are endless!
Consider also including the theme with your food choices. Pick dishes that have traditionally represented good wishes, including happiness, prosperity, long life and many children. Often konbu a key ingredient in soup stock is used because it sounds like the Japanese word yorokobu, which means joy. If you are serving fish, consider placing the entire fish on a plate, with the head and tail forced to point up, which creates the symbol for eternity. Clams can be served with their shells together to show the couples new union. Lobster is a common dish, because the deep red color is a sign of good luck in Japan. For dessert, consider serving komochi manjyu in addition to your wedding cake. This dish is made from gummy sweetened rice with filling. Keep in mind you should avoid serving a number of courses that equal a multiple of four, as the Japanese word for four sounds like the word for death.
As with any wedding that incorporates traditions, consider including an explanatory insert into your wedding program. In a few short sentences, you can tell your guests what they will witness and how it reflects your heritage. Your guests will appreciate the explanation!
by: Sundar K
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