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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
very 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 a 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 brides 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 stand 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 lape, 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
909-787-0811
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