Things You'll Need:
- Obi
- Japanese Almanacs
- Fans
- Sake
- Hakamas
-
Step 1
Exchange two main gifts: an obi for the bride, which is a sash worn with a kimono, representing female virtue; and a hakama skirt for the groom - a man's kimono worn for formal occasions, which symbolizes fertility.
-
Step 2
Carefully select nine other special items to offer to your partner and his or her family that symbolically speak your sincere wishes.
-
Step 3
Express your sincere wishes by giving naga-noshi, which is made from abalone and in the past was traditionally a costly item.
-
Step 4
Exchange "moeny," or money, as a ceremonial gift.
-
Step 5
Offer katsuo-bushi, which is a dried bonito used to make soup stock. This has high value.
-
Step 6
Indicate everlasting quality with dried cuttlefish, called surume.
-
Step 7
Include konbu tangles for their strong breeding power. They are a wish for happy and healthy future generations.
-
Step 8
Present Shiraga, or hemp, to show your desire for cooperation in your marriage. Since shiraga sounds like "white hair" in Japanese, it also expresses your wish for a long future.
-
Step 9
Offer a fan, or suehiro, as a sign of your happiness about the upcoming marriage. Since the fan extends to the end, it shows your hopes for the future.
-
Step 10
Include a sake, or wine, cask. This is called yanagi-daru. It is made of willow trees with tender leaves to show your obedience to the relationship.
-
Step 11
Prepare mokuoku, which is a list of all of the items you deliver.
