Traditional Japanese Wedding Clothes
Traditional Japanese weddings require a specific kind of wardrobe for both the bride and the groom. Often, the bride will change into several different ensembles throughout the wedding day. The foundation for the traditional Japanese wardrobe is the kimono, which is worn by both the bride and the groom.
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Kimonos
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A kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that literally means “clothing” in Japanese. There are different types of kimonos, depending on occasion, such as wedding ceremonies and receptions. The kimono is typically a long robe with wide sleeves that is secured with a sash. Traditionally, the bride wears several different kimonos during her wedding day. This custom of changing into several outfits dates back to the 14th century and is called oironaoshi.
Bride Wedding Ceremony Attire
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The bride first puts on a white kimono for her wedding ceremony. The white represents her new married life and also the end of her childhood. It is made out of silk and called a shiro-maku, standing for pure white. This is the most traditional garment for Japanese brides.
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Bride Wedding Reception Attire
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During the wedding reception, the bride puts on a more colorful and elaborate silk kimono called an uchikake over her white kimono. It is typically embroidered with nature motifs such as flowers, plum blossoms, tortoises, cranes or flower carts. The background color of the uchikake is typically red. This garment is often rented since the bride wears it only once. After the wedding reception, the woman will not be able to wear an uchikake because it is only for young, unmarried women.
Groom's Attire
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The groom also wears a kimono for the wedding ceremony. He wears a kimono that is a formal, full-length piece that has the family crest labeled on the front and back. This kimono is tucked into loose pants and worn with an overcoat. The outfit is typically black but can be purple, brown or dark blue among other colors, depending on personal preferences.
Accessories and Grooming
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The Japanese bride covers her face with a white cloth and paints her face white. Her hair is worn in a traditional style that is embellished with gold combs and accessories that are called kanzashi. The headpiece accessories include two gold horns. The white cloth conceals these horns symbolizing her obedience to her husband. The bride also carries a small purse called a hakoseko and wears a partially opened fan in her kimono sash. The outline of the bride's eyes are colored dark and bright red lipstick is worn.
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References
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