Japanese weddings are fascinating to watch, from the traditional Shinto ceremony to the more modern Christian-style wedding. For anyone planning their weddings, it’s worth looking at some of the unique customs and traditions associated with this country. From the dress code to the food served, plenty of ways to make your big day stand out from the rest. If you love Japanese culture, then there’s nothing better than a trip to Japan for a wedding. From the traditional clothing and ceremonies to the food and traditions, here’s everything you need to know about the unique wedding customs in Japan.
Did you know that Japanese wedding traditions are quite different from Western culture? The traditional wedding costumes and ceremonies are quite different, but the food served during the ceremony is also completely different.
We’ll take you on a journey to discover the fascinating wedding traditions of Japan, including the traditional wedding dress and ceremonies, the foods served during the ceremony, and much more! It is a fascinating country, and I have seen Japanese weddings, but I had no clue about these traditions. When I was growing up, I had no idea that there were traditions in place that were designed to help newlyweds bond in Japan. So I went to Japan to investigate and found out more than I ever could have imagined!
Modern Japanese Wedding Traditions
In Japan, the wedding is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when the couple gets to spend a day celebrating with family and friends. However, unlike in the West, the traditional wedding ceremony is a big part of the day. The wedding tradition dates back to the Heian period (794 – 1185 AD).
It is said that Emperor Seiwa married his wife Kogo no Mikado. They were considered to be the perfect couple because of their harmonious relationship. Today, the traditional Japanese wedding ceremony is a complex event. It is divided into three main parts.
The History of Japanese Wedding Traditions
Japanese weddings are famous for being quite different from those in the West. Traditional wedding ceremonies in Japan are a lot more elaborate than they are in Western culture. From conventional clothing and rituals to food and traditions, here’s everything you need to know about the unique wedding customs in Japan.
You might find yourself confused as to what’s going on. Wedding ceremonies start with the bride walking down the aisle to a band playing the wedding song. Next, the couple will exchange wedding vows and ring the bell. Then, a procession takes place, where the bride will carry a sizeable ornate box with her name written on it. After that, she will be accepted by her family and husband to the groom’s home.
Why Do People in Japan Usually Have a Christian Wedding?
Japanese people are predominantly Christians. However, it’s not because of any religion-based discrimination. They prefer the tradition, culture, and religion of Christianity. A wedding is a significant event in Japanese culture. It’s a time when a couple becomes a family and is expected to celebrate the union together. This means that having a Christian wedding is more common in Japan than you would expect.
There are lots of reasons for this, but one of the most important ones is the fact that Christian weddings are considered to be more beautiful. For example, Japan’s traditional wedding ceremony is much more than just a wedding. It’s an event where the bride and groom get dressed up in traditional clothing, and the guests are expected to follow suit.
Styles of Wedding Ceremony in Japan
The wedding ceremony is usually performed before the wedding day, and the bride and groom spend a night together before the wedding. There are three types of wedding ceremonies.
1. Wedding ceremony held at the house of the bride’s family. In this ceremony, the bride’s family and the groom’s family meet at the bride’s home to discuss the wedding ceremony.
2. Wedding ceremony held at the groom’s house. In this ceremony, the groom’s family and the bride’s family meet at the groom’s house to discuss the wedding ceremony.
3. Wedding ceremony held at the church. In this ceremony, the bride and groom are married at the church.
The Fascinating Wedding Traditions of Japan
While traditional wedding costumes may look the same across the globe, there are several differences between Japanese and Western weddings. The first difference is in the length of the marriage. In Japan, the size of the wedding is usually longer than the typical western wedding, which typically lasts around 3 hours.
Another difference is in the wedding dress. While most Japanese couples still wear the traditional kimono, many opt for a more modern and elegant outfit. The next difference is in the food served during the wedding ceremony. The traditional Japanese wedding ceremony includes a ceremonial tea ceremony typically hosted by the bride’s family.
Frequently Asked Questions Wedding Traditions
Q: What’s the most common wedding dress in Japan?
A: A wedding dress usually has a kimono-style top and bottom. The color of the fabric is white.
Q: Why is the bride wearing a kimono at her wedding?
A: The bride wears a kimono because it shows her purity. If the woman becomes pregnant, she will take off the kimono.
Q: Are there any cultural traditions surrounding a wedding?
A: The bride must sit with her parents at the wedding. The bride’s parents always sit on the left side of the room.
Q: What’s the wedding gift exchange?
A: The bride gives gifts to each person at the wedding.
Q: Are there any traditional customs at the end of a wedding?
A: Some traditional customs take place at the end of a wedding. When the bride leaves the reception, the groom is not allowed to follow her. He goes out alone.
Top 5 Myths About Wedding Traditions
1. Japanese wedding ceremonies are very elaborate.
2. Japanese weddings are held on a day and time specific to the couple.
3. Japanese brides wear traditional kimonos and veils at their wedding ceremonies.
4. Japanese brides only wear white or light colors during their wedding ceremonies.
5. It is customary for Japanese brides to give their new husbands a small gift after they get married.
Conclusion
Weddings are significant events for everyone involved. The wedding itself is the culmination of a series of events over a long period. The tradition of hosting an elaborate wedding is an ancient one, with many cultures still practicing the rules associated with a wedding. But what are these traditions exactly, and how do they differ from culture to culture?
