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Japanese
Weddings
by Kitty
Ariza,
Ariza Accents/The Nuptial Knot,
Moreno Valley, CA
Weddings in Japan are very expensive, but more and more, the
Japanese are opting for a simpler less expensive wedding. About
one per cent of Japanese are Christian... and the Christians
usually marry in a more western world tradition.
Shinto
meaning the way of the Kami (Kami means "the way of the gods").
A Shinto wedding is a ritual that takes place in a Shrine
because purity is important to them; most important events are
celebrated in the Shrine. Only family members are allowed to
attend the wedding.
The
wedding attire for the bride is a white silk kimono which can
cost up to twenty five thousand dollars to purchase. The groom
wears a haori at the top and a hakama at the bottom in black. A
Japanese bride can change up to five times into different
kimonos. The bride wears a wig as part of the tradition of the
kimono wedding dress. The wig is bouffant and much decorated and
with artificial flowers, gold combs and maybe pearls.
The
Bride and groom enter from different doors... drum and flute
music are played. The nakodo waves a sacred tree over the head
of the couple to keep away evil spirits and to symbolize
purification. The tree is made of paper streamers. After the
vows the couple drinks wine called sake, exchanging their cups
nine times to symbolize their bonding.
At the
reception the bride and groom sit at an elevated table and are
applauded by the guests. This is when the wedding march is
played. The dinner for the reception is very expensive so the
guests bring money; new money not wrinkled old money. It is
given to the couple in a special envelope to help pay for the
dinner which can run one hundred dollars or more per plate. The
master of ceremonies discusses the background of the couple and
wishes them well. Other friends and family members give
speeches. The wedding cake is cut with the bride’s hand resting
on the grooms hand to signify their first act together as
husband and wife. A toast is given to the couple then the bride
changes into a traditional western white wedding gown. The groom
also changes into western clothing. The couple stands under a
paper umbrella over their heads which signifies they are lovers.
The
newlyweds face the guests and light a single high candle on the
center table which is symbolic for their unity in marriage. At
the end of the evening the couple gives the mothers a bouquet of
flowers and the fathers a carnation for the lapel, as a thank
you gesture. The groom's father gives thanks to all who attended
and then the couple leaves on their honeymoon.
Kitty
Ariza
Ariza Accents/The Nuptial Knot
Moreno Valley, CA
www.thenuptialknot.com
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