Japanese brides are always a delight to observe at any wedding party or event. Not only do they look absolutely stunning but their unique attire is sure to make an unforgettable appearance amongst your guests and family. Most brides in Japan wear extravagant dresses which are further accentuated with jewelries from head to toe. The most popular form of Japanese bridal attires are the obi garb and kimono dresses. While obi garb are usually full-length outfits, kimono dresses are often shorter in duration.
There is a huge difference between western and Japanese weddings. Unlike western weddings, where there is a formal wedding ceremony, in Japanese weddings there is no such requirement. Traditionally, it is the family circle that decides all about the wedding, which makes it one of the few Japanese customs that are adaptable to modern lifestyles. There is no form of formal exchange of wedding vows in Japan, as the couple is not required to exchange words saying ‘I do’ or ‘we do’. Instead it is the family who makes the first move concerning the marriage, which is why there is no wedding ritual at all.
Another interesting tradition that has become popular among Japanese brides is that of the shiromuku. This ceremony is also traditional among the Japanese and is basically a gathering held before the wedding ceremony. In this gathering, relatives of both the bride and groom gather to offer their support and advice. It is a great chance for the groom to meet his elders and discuss important issues facing him, such as marriage concerns. The shiromuku is attended by dozens of people and can last up to a whole day. Interestingly, the entire gathering can be watched by the groom’s family and friends, who in turn can give him valuable advice and counsel.
One very interesting custom seen among Japanese brides is the ceremony of no-clutching. This is a very traditional form of ceremony that actually involves the throwing of the rice in the air. The significance of this can be understood when we consider that it signifies that no matter what happens, the couple should never try to clutch at any means. The purpose of the no-clutching ceremony is to make sure that the wedding plans are carried out smoothly. This is done by ensuring that no one dares to touch the rice, which is considered a sacred symbol of wealth in Japan.
Wedding dresses also play an important role in Japanese brides’ lives. It is customary for both the men and women to buy a wedding kimono several months in advance of the ceremonies. Although the exact customs may differ from area to area, most Japanese brides prefer to wear their wedding kimonos in their first wedding reception. The wedding kimono is said to symbolize the bride’s loyalty and trust towards her partner and it is also believed that the wedding kimono protects the bride and groom during their travels throughout the country.
Another tradition seen among Japanese brides is that they are not allowed to shave their heads. In the past, the Japanese people often shaved their heads with the intention of making themselves look more masculine. However, the practice of shaving the head has been prohibited to preserve the honor and respect of the girl. As a result, Japanese women frequently wear their hair beautifully and a head band is used to protect the hair from being shaved off. Some Japanese girls also dye their hair a different color than their natural hair color to conform to this tradition.
During the wedding process, the bridal couple will enter through a large gate where there will be line of people. As the bride and groom walk toward the front, they exchange bouquets of flowers from the ladies in the line. The flower girls carry small lanterns which are lit as the couple walks along the aisle to their place in the holy temple. Before the bride and groom can finally reach their place, the priest chants the marriage ceremony vows and then gives them to each one, a white silk kimono to secure the wedding. After the ceremony, the family of the bride and groom will present them with flower garlands and doves to celebrate their marriage.
For many years, the Japanese brides were expected to stay home after marrying. In today’s modern world, there are far more things that could happen that would disrupt the couple’s lives for a period of time such as working, children, finances etc., so this traditional ceremony was not necessary at the time of the Japanese wedding. Because there was no need for the bride and groom to leave their home, the Japanese brides were able to make their new home feel more like a home by spending time with their families and friends and even have time for romance. The Japanese brides of today are able to live their lives like the Japanese brides of the past, and spend as much time with their family and friends as possible before committing to a marriage contract.