The Japanese traditional wedding ceremony is one of the most preserved customs in the Japanese culture. Despite the many influences of the Western world, more and more families still choose to stick with the unique traditional one.
Spring and Autumn are the seasons for weddings in Japan.
On the ancient times, fixed or arranged marriages are often done by a family member or a friend. They make the man meet the young woman if they think they are suitable for marriage. The woman has little to say on this.
Now, the Japanese have more freedom to choose whom they wanted to marry. The dating style may have vanished, but the marriage ceremony still remains. It is the choice of the couple if they wanted to be married in a Shinto shrine or in a Christian church.
The bride wears two traditional kimono in the whole day event. During the wedding, the bride wears the "shiro", an all-white kimono with the bridal veil called tsuno kakushi; and the "uchikake" which is worn in the reception.
Photo by santapaws4xmas. Licensed under Creative Commons.
The groom, on the other hand wears the traditional black kimono.
The Japanese ritual "san-san-kudo" (three-by-three exchange) is performed by the bride and the groom and their parents. Each person takes three sips of sake from each of the three cups. This symbolizes the union of the couple and their family.
Another highlight is when the rosary with 21 beads representing the couple conjoins the families of the couple and Buddha. Part of the ceremony is the honoring of parents where the newly weds offer flowers, a toast, or a letter expressing love gratitude.
If you are invited in a Japanese wedding, here are the things you must do before the ceremony:
1. Men must wear a dark suit with a white tie. Never wear black tie, as they are for funerals.
2. For women, wear a dress or skirt.
3. Bring a money gift.
4. Be prepared if you are invited to speak at the wedding reception or party.
5. Never bring a guest.
Photo by Rupert Taylor-Price. Licensed under Creative Commons.
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