Posts Tagged ‘kimono history’

The Japanese Kimono and Symbolism of Colors

Sunday, February 6th, 2022

In Japan, tradition is key. It’s a country that has been influenced by many cultures, including Western ones. The beautiful language of colors found throughout their culture has deep meaning and validation. Traditional colors still hold some significance today for those living in Japan and visiting alike, especially when it comes to art or dress designs. To this day, when it comes to kimono or yukata worn for special occasions like weddings or ceremonies, beliefs about certain colors and hues are taken very seriously.

There are specific hues which carry special meaning from this culture as they believe these particular shades will result in obtaining wishes and goals. For example, some believe there may not be just one color that will bring good fortune, but rather an entire spectrum from blue-green representing water ways, all the way through reds signifying fire.

Kimono colors can be interpreted in many ways. The most important color, according to Japanese culture is green which represents new beginnings and good fortune. The secondary colors are white for growth, blue for peace and red which symbolize love. These have ancient meanings along with other cultures around the world who share similar beliefs. Colors are considered being relevant for determining future events like marriage prospects among others things.

The colors red and white are prominent in Japan. Both represent happiness, joyfulness as well an occasion for celebration such like weddings or birthdays. Events that bring people together to celebrate life events with family members who love them unconditionally.

The color red is important in Japanese culture. It’s often used to represent passion and joy. The first thing people think about when they see the vivid shade are cherries since those fruits have an association with love-related stories. In general, the color red carries with it many different meanings, but generally speaking this it represents strength through passion generated through self-sacrifice.

White also has multiple meanings and associations. White signifies surrender or peace and stands for purity, truth and honesty. It symbolizes beginnings from nothing, like a blank page yet also represents death and mourning.

The color green is a popular choice for clothes in Japan and it’s because the country loves plants, foliage and nature. The country celebrates greenery day because they love the land for its lush green vegetation. Whether it is trees or grass; this includes all things natural in life including green tea. In addition, it is holds significance for prosperity, wealth and luck or good fortune.

The color blue has many meanings in Japan. It is often associated with coolness, passivity and loyalty which are all seen as positive traits. Blue is also considered a color associated with luck.

No color is as auspicious for wealth and value than gold and silver. The color of wealth and power, gold has been a popular choice for centuries. These two elements are used to connotate great significance and prestige. It provides an elegant touch that can be found in many different patterns and works of art. Gold and silver are often used to create a rich symphony of color.

Black is a prized choice in Japan.  The blackness of the Kimono is often used to represent elegance or darkness. For example, it can be seen as a symbol for widowed women who have lost their spouse by death. The coloration also carries other connotations such classy garments reserved only for special occasions. The black color is often used in Japanese Kimono to represent power and elegance.

The black fabric of a kimono is often used to represent femininity and beauty in Japan. The color’s deep shade was originally created as an alternative for cherry blossom flowers, which were not available during winter months. Today, people wear them with pride even if there are no longer seasons where you can indulge your senses at their fullest extent.

Yellow is a popular color in Japan. It’s the Greece of colors, sunny and smiling. Japanese people have a special relationship with the color yellow. In Japan, this bright and cheerful tone can be seen in flowers as well as clothes for both children and adults alike. It is also associated with gardening. The color of sunshine and nature in Japan, yellow is associated with happiness.

Pink is a hue widely used in kimono for hundreds of years. It’s not just any old color, but rather it symbolizes femininity and elegance which are two things associated with women in Japanese culture. Pink is the color of romance and femininity. It’s also a symbol of healing to comfort women.

Of course there are more colors available and you can find a kimono or yukata in about any shade you desire.  Consider the Kimono palette the rainbow. Each color is special and the mixing or blending and pairing of colors provide additional significance in the Kimono culture. Wear your kimono proudly and if seeking a kimono gift, consider what traits the individual has and try pairing those with corresponding colors.  While it isn’t necessary to follow this guide, it deepens the meaning and cultural significance. Get Your Kimono On!! You can search over 100 different styles, colors and patterns of authentic Japanese Kimono and Yukata for men, women and kids at Your Kimono Source, www.chopa.com

 

Color palette of kimonos

Kimono Colors

What is a Kimono and Yukata?

Sunday, August 8th, 2021

A short history about the Kimono and Yukata robe.

The Japanese Kimono is widely recognized throughout the world. The history, symbolism and true beauty of these fine robe’s dates back centuries. The word Kimono translates as the “thing to wear” or “thing that is worn.” Today the Kimono is considered the national dress or national costume in Japan and is still a major part of the culture.

Some wear Kimonos daily while others wear them for special occasions, ceremonies, festivals or family gatherings. The sister robe to the Kimono is the Yukata which is typically a lighter weight fabric and worn during warmer summer months.  In the West, the yukata is a favorite loungewear all year long.

One of the features that make this unique clothing so popular is the ease of putting it on as well as the genuine comfort. Spas and resorts are known to offer guests robes to wear and the kimono or yukata fits the same purpose while lounging at home. The kimono is a wraparound garment meaning that it wraps around your body, the left side folds over the right side and is held closed at the waist with a belt, sash or obi.

Kimono are produced in various fabrics with the most common being cotton, silk, rayon and polyester. Cotton is the most popular today, since it is chemically organic and contains no chemical compounds. Cotton is also easy to care for and usually machine washable. Cotton kimonos are normally made with a heavier fabric and yukatas with a lighter weight material.

The colors of kimono and yukata cover the rainbow. From blues, greens, reds, yellows, pinks, purples, oranges, whites and even black, shopping the vast never-ending styles are a feast for your eyes. The patterns range from intricate, ancient, historical, simple and modernistic. The true relevance is in the symbolism.

Symbolism in Japan dates back as far as history allows it. Many of the patterns represent a story, proverb, poetry or event. You will often find flowers, scenery, dragons, trees, waves, koi fish, water and more. Basically, anything found in nature is recreated in a kimono pattern. The natural beauty and meanings are just another example of why so many people love to wear kimono.

Kimono and yukata have evolved over the years. While formal kimono is still worn on special occasions, the traditional kimono is worn anytime. Sleeve lengths are usually a bit shorter and are now offered in many different sizes as the Western demand increases. Since many people in the West are larger than their far East counterparts, the strong demand necessitates a larger array of size offerings.

At Chopa Zen Home, “your Kimono Source”, sizes range from small to 2XL and even 2XL/wide which allows for a wider and roomier fit. Chopa was one of the first to offer large sizing on the web. In addition to plus size kimonos, they also offer short length kimono called Happi Coats. Established in 1994, Chopa continues to be a great source for Japanese kimono and Yukata. Operated and based in the USA, Chopa is a direct importer of quality robes and offers fast shipping in the USA. Orders of $75.00 or more receive free shipping, including Alaska and Hawaii. Orders under $75.00 pay just $6.95.

The benefit of shopping with a US provider, beyond quick shipping is ease of returns, no duties, taxes or import charges and easy access to electronic customer service. In business since 1994, Chopa is a name that can be trusted. This is easy to see as their family of 33,000 happy customers and counting grows each day. Many customers are repeat shoppers and referrals are common. Chopa ships from the Panhandle region of Florida. Most orders ship within one business day with many shipping the same day. They offer a wide selection of over 100 Kimono and Yukata for men, women and kids. Shop online for your next kimono or yukata and see why so many others consider Chopa Zen Home their Kimono Source.

kimono shopping

Photo courtesy of Victoriano Izquierdo.