Traditional Weddings in Japan

Traditional Shinto Ceremonies

The Cloths

Wataboshi : is a white hoodTsunokakoshi : serves to hide the bride's 'horns of jealousy.' It also symbolizes the bride's intention to become a gentle and obedient wife.

Shinzen shikiTraditional Japanese wedding customs (shinzen shiki) involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine. Japanese weddings are becoming increasingly extravagant. However, in some cases, younger generations choose to abandon the formal ways by having a "no host party" for a wedding. In this situation, the guests primarily consist of the couple's friends who pay an attendance fee.

Fushimi inari

Uchihake

Uchikake is an ornate wedding coat with a long trail, which Japanese bride wear during the wedding ceremony. It is worn like a robe without obi over another kimono. "Uchikake" is usually heavily brocaded or enbroidered with the motif of congratulations such as cranes, pines, flowing water and a bounty of flowers. The bottom of Uchikake is padded to trail along the floor. You can imagine the bride in this Uchikake walking quetly into the solemn wedding ceremony!

Kurotomesode

kurotomesode are the most formal kimono for married women. They are often worn by the mothers of the bride and groom at weddings.

The Foods

Sekihan

• Sekihan is â red azuki beans rice��• It is a very sticky rice with is made

from azuki beans.• This is very traditional rice which

is red in color â as a symbol of ��celebration and happy occasions.

• Sekihan is often served with gomashio in Japanese weddings. Gomashio is a mixture of some toasted sesame seeds along with salt.

Kombu

Kombu or Kelp - This is a very traditional Japanese food which is made from broccoli, squashes, fresh ginger, garlic, mushrooms, kombu and carrots. It is a very delicate sea food flavored clear soup which is a must during weddings. This soup is usually served with medium sized tofu, some sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

KazunokoKazunoko is a symbol of fertility in Japan which is the main reason why this dish is served in traditional Japanese weddings. In the Japanese language Kazunoko refers to herring roe. This is dried just under the sun and is normally pickled in Kosher salt. Rose which is used in this recipe is very small and has a unique texture.

Datemaki

• This is another very popular dish which is served in Japanese weddings. This is a Japanese rolled omelet which is loved during weddings. It is made from dashi soup stock and hanpen which is white fish cake.

Japanes sushi cakes

Weddings are said to be incomplete, until there is a wedding cake. This is made from smoked salmon, sushi rice, eggs along with other ingredients. There is no particular style of making this cake and you can put in your own creativity to make this cake enjoyable. This cake forms the menu item of all Japanese weddings.

DaifukuSweets make any wedding complete. Daifuku is a traditional sweet which is served in Japanese weddings. This is a popular Japanese mochi cake. Those who wish to bring a variation can bring changes in the sweet by changing its filling. This sweet is a symbol of sharing happiness with friends and relatives on the auspicious occasion with the bride and the groom.