Bordelon,+Michael

=**Japanese Marriage Traditions**= toc

A wedding is a joyous occasion wherein two people are united for life. Wedding’s in Japan however, regard the service as two families uniting, and therein lays the cause for so much added texture in the cultures matrimonial proceedings. Below is a brief synopsis of the rituals evoked during the bonding of the two families, along with a few definitions to help understand these nuptial rites of passage.

**History**


Marriages and the way they take place have evolved dramatically in Japan; many have adopted European traditions, while others have simply drifted away from the past. For instance, not too long ago, the parents were in the position to arrange the individuals who were to be betrothed. This practice was/ is called, “mi-ai”, and though it is still observed by some, using a matchmaker, called a “nakodo”, is a recently developed alternative to arrange for an initial meeting while still allowing for the tradition of mi-ai (an arranged meeting between a man and a woman with a view to marriage). Moreover, in the old days, the young man held the power, as he would visit the home of the young woman, and only if he were favorably impressed, would he leave behind a fan to indicate his acceptance to pursue the marriage. The bride-to-be had little say on the issue.

**Wedding Attire**
The kimono is the traditional garb for this ceremony, for both the man and woman, and they are given to change their outfits three or more times during the event. This custom of switching clothes is called “oironaoshi”, and it signifies the bride’s readiness to resume everyday life. Additional articles of clothing that both the man and woman don are: the obi (belt), tabi (short white toe socks) and zori (thonglike clogs).

**Bride**
The bride’s traditional wedding costume is called a shiro-muku, a white silk undergarment that literally means, “white pure”. She also carries a small purse-style sack called the “hakoseko”, and a small encased sword called “kaiken”. Furthermore, the bride’s hair is coifed in a traditional Japanese style called “bunkintakashimada”, and is adorned with stunning kanzashi ornaments, combs and accessories. Her wig is covered with a white hood-like veil of cloth called a tsunokakushi, which means “to hide horns”. The reason for this is because it is said that the horns are a sign of jealousy and by covering them, she acknowledges her submission to her mother-in-law. The bride’s face is covered with a white powder (declaring her maiden status to the gods), her eyes outlined in a dark color and her lips painted with bright red.

**Groom**
The groom’s traditional wedding costume consists of an outer garment, called the “hakama”, which is worn over the kimono and split between the legs like pants. This is the only additional source of clothing for the male, and it comes from the age of samurai warriors, and horse-riding.

**Gifts**
Engagement gifts, called “yui-no”, vary greatly from person to person, but it is said that each guest should bestow two contributions upon the bridal couple, and that the amount depends on the givers degree of closeness to the family. In the case of cash presented as a present, which is called goshugi, the money is placed into a special envelope, called a “shugibukuro” and the guest’s name is written on the front. Additional donations found on a “mokuroku” (list of gifts) include: Obi- Kimona sash Hakama- Skirt for the groom Naga-Noshi- Abalone shell Katsuo-bushi- Dried Bonito Surume- Dried cuttlefish Shiraga- Hemp Suehiro- A fan Yanagi-daru- Wine cask

**Ceremony**
In a traditional wedding, a Shinto priest conducts the ceremony which is attended by immediate family. The musical accompaniment consists of flutes and is performed by artists called “ga ga ku”. During the vows, the two families of the bride and groom face each other, although the husband and wife to-be, do not. Instead, they face forward while making the oath to keep faithful and obedient to one another. Miko maidens then come out, serving sake in red and white dresses, the groom reads the words of his commitment, the priest reads the wedding contract and then the sake is poured into three special cups of different sizes. This ceremony is called “sansankudo”, which means three sets of three sips equals nine. The bride and groom then do exactly as the name suggests, and they proceed to take three sips from each of the differently sized cups. Once the sake ceremony is done, both families take up a cup which signifies the unification of the two families. At this point, the exchange of wedding rings is optional, and an offering of three small twigs of Sakaki are presented in the name of Kami. This ritual completes the ceremony.

**Reception**
After the ceremony, the couple welcomes the guests at a reception called a “kekkon hiroen”. Friends, family and business associates are able to attend, and the party begins with an introduction of the bridal couple and their families. In keeping with the concept that a marriage is about the joining of families, there is more emphasis in the introduction on the family than on the couple. Guests are seated according to their relationship with the couple, and a full-course meal is served table-side. The festivities during the reception include, speeches, songs, games, skits and karaoke. The décor is typically red and white because those colors are considered to be an auspicious combination. Gifts may be handed out, to the guests as well as to the couple, and at the very end of the party, the bride and groom will give a speech thanking everyone for coming.

**References**
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 * "Japanese Wedding Traditions." World Wedding Traditions. Euroevents & Travel, 10 Apr 2011. Web. 10 Apr 2011. .
 * "Japanese Marriage." Japanese Lifestyle. Mi Marketing Pty Ltd, 03 Mar 2010. Web. 10 Apr 2011. .
 * "Traditional Japanese Weddings." Hudson Valley Weddings. Hudson Valley Weddings, 24 02 2007. Web. 10 Apr 2011. .
 * "Marriage Customs of Japan." OldAndSold. OldAndSold, 10 Apr 2011. Web. 10 Apr 2011. .