George Boyle
Shinto weddings, also referred to as Shinzen kekkon or shinzen shiki weddings, are traditional Japanese ceremonies conducted in front of deities. The Shinto priest blesses and purifies the couple, who offer branches from the sacred sakaki tree and engage in ceremonial sake drinking. The bride and groom typically wear kimonos, with the bride wearing a number of layers, and the outermost layer being the most formal. The groom can also opt for a Western-style business suit. Guests are advised to wear socks or stockings, as being barefoot at the shrine is considered blasphemy to the Gods. Women usually wear one-piece dresses or kimonos, and men typically wear suits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bride's attire | Kimono (often white, but can be colourful), wig (katsura), hair accessories |
| Groom's attire | Haori Hakama (black kimono with family crests), or Western-style business suit |
| Guest attire | Women: one-piece dress or kimono; Men: suit |
| Location | Shinto shrine, hotel, or special venue |
| Ceremony | Sake-sharing, purification rituals, exchange of symbolic items, vows, and prayers |
| Date | Auspicious date chosen from the lunisolar calendar or rokuyo |
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What You'll Learn
- Brides typically wear a wig, with a traditional katsura hairstyle adorned with hair accessories
- The bride's kimono is often red, white, or black—all auspicious colours in Shinto
- Grooms can wear a Western-style business suit or a black kimono called montsuki hakama
- Guests should wear socks or stockings, as being barefoot is considered blasphemy to the Gods
- Women guests typically wear a one-piece dress or kimono, avoiding black and bright colours
Brides typically wear a wig, with a traditional katsura hairstyle adorned with hair accessories
Brides who are dressing for a Shinto wedding typically wear a wig, with their hair styled in the traditional katsura hairstyle, adorned with hair accessories. The wig is called a katsura and is styled in an auspicious manner. This is often paired with a kimono, with the outermost layer being the most formal. The kimono is usually a colourful uchikake (over-kimono) or a pure white shiromuku (another type of over-kimono). The shiromuku is the priciest and most popular option, and the white colour symbolises the bride's purity. The uchikake is a colourful, heavy brocade fabric that may feature woven designs or embroidery in gold and silver thread.
The bride may also wear a headdress, called a tsunokakushi, and she may change into a red kimono for the wedding reception for good luck. The red kimono is also considered auspicious and is a vibrant colour that adds a lively touch to photographs. The bride's kimono is usually silk or imitation silk and is worn with an obi sash, left unfastened. Due to the high cost of kimonos, a bride may hire the kimono for the day, or wear an ensemble passed down through the family or borrowed.
The wig is styled in the traditional katsura hairstyle, and adorned with auspiciously designed hair accessories. The hairstyle is often adorned with a variety of hair accessories, such as combs, pins, and sticks, which are often decorated with precious metals, jewels, and intricate carvings. The accessories are typically made from materials such as gold, silver, and tortoiseshell, and may be adorned with intricate carvings of natural motifs, such as flowers, birds, and leaves. The accessories are carefully arranged in the wig to create a harmonious and balanced composition, with the overall effect being one of elegance and sophistication.
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The bride's kimono is often red, white, or black—all auspicious colours in Shinto
The bride's kimono is an important part of a Shinto wedding. Brides typically wear a number of layers of kimono, with the outermost layer being the most formal. This outermost kimono is known as an uchikake, a colourful over-kimono, or a shiromuku, a pure-white over-kimono. The uchikake is often red, white, or black—all auspicious colours in Shinto—and may also feature other colours as part of its design. The shiromuku, on the other hand, is always a solid white colour, symbolising purity and elegance.
The bride's choice of kimono colour may depend on various factors, such as personal preference, family tradition, or the specific Shinto beliefs associated with each colour. Red, for example, is often associated with good luck in Shinto weddings, while white is traditionally linked with the bride and purity. Black, while considered the colour of mourning in some cultures, is also an acceptable colour for a Shinto bride's kimono, representing formality and elegance.
In addition to the kimono colour, the bride may also wear a wig (katsura) styled with traditional hair accessories. The bride may also choose to wear one of two styles of headdresses, the tsunokakushi. The bride's attire is carefully selected to adhere to Shinto traditions and symbolism, creating a meaningful and auspicious start to the couple's married life together.
It is worth noting that while traditional kimono colours hold significance in Shinto weddings, modern Shinto brides may also opt for a blend of traditional and Western styles. Some brides might choose to wear both a white wedding dress and a bridal kimono during different parts of the ceremony. This blend of traditions reflects the evolving nature of Shinto weddings, where couples can incorporate their preferred elements to create a unique and personalised celebration.
Furthermore, it is customary for the bride to change into a new kimono, often red, for the wedding reception following the ceremony. This tradition symbolises good luck for the newlywed couple as they embark on their married life together. The colour red in Shinto culture is associated with joy, celebration, and auspicious beginnings, making it an ideal choice for the reception attire.
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Grooms can wear a Western-style business suit or a black kimono called montsuki hakama
When it comes to dressing for a Shinto wedding, grooms traditionally wear a kimono called a montsuki hakama, which is black and signifies formality. The kimono typically features five family crests imprinted on it. However, in modern times, grooms may also opt for a Western-style business suit, reflecting the blend of contemporary and traditional elements often seen in Japanese weddings today.
Shinto weddings, also known as Shinzen kekkon or shinzen shiki, are traditional Japanese ceremonies conducted in front of deities. They are intimate affairs, usually limited to close family, with a larger reception following the ceremony. The bride and groom are purified by a Shinto priest, who also blesses their union, and the couple offers branches from the sacred sakaki tree and engages in ceremonial sake drinking.
While the bride typically wears a kimono, often in white to symbolise purity, grooms have more flexibility in their choice of attire. If the groom chooses to wear a kimono, he will don the montsuki hakama, a black kimono that is formal and elegant. This kimono, with its family crests, represents the groom's heritage and respect for tradition.
On the other hand, a Western-style business suit is also an acceptable choice for the groom. This option reflects the influence of Western culture on modern Japanese weddings. Around 50% of weddings in Japan are Western or Christian-style, and even in Shinto ceremonies, it is common to see a mix of traditional and contemporary elements.
Ultimately, the groom's choice of attire may depend on the venue, the level of traditionalism desired, and personal preference. Whether the groom chooses to wear a montsuki hakama or a Western-style suit, he will undoubtedly look dashing and appropriate for the sacred Shinto wedding ceremony.
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Guests should wear socks or stockings, as being barefoot is considered blasphemy to the Gods
When attending a Shinto wedding, it is important to remember to wear socks or stockings, as being barefoot is considered blasphemy to the Gods. This is because the ceremony is conducted in front of deities, and the Shinto priest blesses and purifies the couple, who are considered to be forming a sacred bond.
Shinto weddings are traditional Japanese ceremonies, steeped in history and culture. The couple gets married at a Shinto shrine, accompanied by their families, and the ceremony is intimate, usually limited to family members. The bride and groom wear traditional attire, with the bride in a kimono, and the groom in a kimono or Western-style business suit. The kimono is a significant part of the ceremony, with the bride wearing a number of layers, the outermost being the most formal. The bride may wear a colourful uchikake, or a pure white shiromuku, both of which are formal kimonos worn over another kimono. The groom's kimono is called a montsuki hakama, and is black, signifying formality.
Guests are also expected to wear traditional Japanese attire, with women wearing kimonos or one-piece dresses, and men wearing suits. It is important to avoid wearing black, as it is the colour of mourning, and also to avoid animal leathers and furs, as these remind people of 'life and death'. It is also not considered good luck to wear two pieces of clothing, as it can mean 'separate' or 'divorce'.
Shinto weddings are often chosen by couples for their sacred ambiance and unique atmosphere, and they are also more affordable than Western-style ceremonies. The ceremony includes the exchange of vows and rings, as well as the sharing of sacred sake, which is a core part of the wedding.
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Women guests typically wear a one-piece dress or kimono, avoiding black and bright colours
When it comes to dressing for a Shinto wedding, it's important to consider the dress code for guests, especially for women. As a woman attending a Shinto wedding, it is recommended to wear a one-piece dress or a kimono. This is because, in Japanese culture, the number of pieces in your outfit has symbolic meaning. Wearing a two-piece outfit is associated with the concepts of "separate" or "divorce," which are not appropriate for a wedding celebration. Therefore, opting for a one-piece dress or kimono is a respectful choice that aligns with local customs and beliefs.
It is also advisable to avoid wearing black or bright colours as a female guest at a Shinto wedding. Black is traditionally associated with mourning and funerals in Japanese culture, so it is best to steer clear of this colour to avoid any potential misunderstandings or cultural insensitivities. While black is not considered bad luck, it is generally more appropriate for funerals rather than festive occasions. Instead of a black dress, female guests can opt for more colourful options or add festive accents through accessories, shoes, or jewellery to a black base dress.
Bright colours, on the other hand, are often associated with the bride's attire. The bride usually wears a white kimono, symbolising purity and elegance, or a colourful uchikake, a heavy brocade fabric that may feature embroidery and gold and silver thread. Wearing bright colours as a guest might be considered inappropriate, as the bride is expected to stand out in vibrant hues. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for more subdued colours or pastels to avoid upstaging the bride.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Shinto weddings blend traditional and contemporary elements. While kimonos are common, modern influences have led to a mix of styles, and some couples may request specific colours or themes for their guests' attire. It is always a good idea to check with the couple or refer to the wedding invitation for any particular dress code requests. Overall, the key considerations for female guests' attire at a Shinto wedding are wearing one-piece outfits, avoiding black and bright colours, and respecting any specific requests from the couple.
Lastly, it is important to remember to wear socks or stockings, as going barefoot at a Shinto shrine is considered blasphemous to the gods. This is an important cultural and religious consideration to keep in mind when dressing for a Shinto wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
Guests usually wear kimonos or one-piece dresses. Avoid black, swinging earrings, animal leathers and fur.
Don't forget to wear socks or stockings, as being barefoot at a shrine is considered blasphemy to the Gods.
The bride and groom will likely be wearing traditional attire. The bride will wear a kimono, either a white shiromuku or a colourful uchikake, and the groom will wear a kimono called a montsuki hakama, a black kimono.
Yes, a larger reception will follow the intimate ceremony. The ceremony usually only includes family, but friends are often invited to the reception.
