Franklin Dean
In Japan, white envelopes are used in formal settings, while casual interactions call for patterned envelopes. Weddings are formal occasions, and white envelopes are often used for gift-giving. Shūgi-bukuro, or celebratory gift bags, are special envelopes used to give money as gifts at weddings or other auspicious occasions. The amount of money given is typically in odd numbers, such as ¥30,000 or ¥50,000, to symbolize that the newly married couple is indivisible.
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What You'll Learn
- White envelopes are the default for formal settings in Japan
- Shūgi-bukuro envelopes are used to give money at weddings
- The amount of money given is important and should be odd-numbered
- The envelope is covered by a cloth called fukusa until it is given to the couple
- The type of knot used on the envelope has a specific meaning
White envelopes are the default for formal settings in Japan
In Japan, white envelopes are considered the default for formal settings. This tradition dates back to the Heian period (794-1192) when letters were wrapped in white washi paper. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the fashion for artistic envelopes developed and intensified under the progress of the postal system during the Meiji period.
White envelopes are used for formal settings such as weddings, where they are known as "Shugi-bukuro" or "Shuugi-bukuro". These envelopes are intended to give money as a gift, with the amount of money given depending on the relationship between the giver and the recipient. For weddings, it is common to give amounts where the leading digit is an odd number, such as 10,000 or 30,000 yen, to symbolize that the newly married couple is now indivisible. The giver inserts the money into the envelope, writes their name and the amount of money inside, and then presents it to the receptionist at the wedding reception.
The Shugi-bukuro envelopes are often decorated with a "mizuhiki" or "noshi" decoration. The "mizuhiki" is a ceremonial paper cord in colours such as red and white, or gold and silver, and is knotted in a specific way that is difficult to untie, symbolizing the couple's commitment to each other. The "noshi" decoration is a symbol of good fortune and can take the form of a long hexagonal ornament or the word "noshi" printed on the envelope.
While white envelopes are the default for formal settings, there are some colour combinations to avoid. Envelopes with black and white, black and silver, yellow and white, silver and silver, blue and white, or white and white are associated with funerals and mourning. For weddings, which are once-in-a-lifetime events, it is also considered unsuitable to use a "chou-musubi" (butterfly knot) as this knot is easily untied.
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Shūgi-bukuro envelopes are used to give money at weddings
Shūgi-bukuro envelopes come in a variety of styles and colours, with red and white being considered lucky colours in Japan. It is important to choose the right envelope as there are different types depending on the occasion. For example, envelopes with an upside-down red and white ribbon are usually used for weddings. The amount of money placed in the envelope also depends on the relationship with the recipient.
When giving a shūgi-bukuro envelope at a wedding, it is customary to cover it with a cloth called a fukusa, which is a silk lapping cloth used to protect the envelope from dirt until it is given to the recipient. The envelope should be produced from the fukusa using both hands, with the topside of the envelope facing right.
It is also important to note that there are certain taboos to be aware of when attending a Japanese wedding. For example, it is considered taboo for women to wear white, as this colour is reserved for the bride. Additionally, there are specific words and phrases that should be avoided during the celebration.
Overall, the use of shūgi-bukuro envelopes at weddings is a traditional and respectful way to give money as a gift in Japan, following the cultural norms and etiquette of the country.
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The amount of money given is important and should be odd-numbered
In Japanese culture, it is customary to give money as a gift for each significant moment in life, including weddings. This money is always placed in an envelope, as handing over money directly is considered impolite. The amount of money given is important and should follow certain traditions. For weddings, it is customary to give an odd-numbered amount, as any number that can be halved is considered unlucky. Numbers to avoid include 4 and 9, as these refer to death and suffering, respectively. Lucky numbers include 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10. The amount of money given also depends on the relationship between the giver and the recipient, with closer relationships warranting a larger sum.
The envelope used for weddings is called a "Shugi-bukuro" or "Goshuugibukuro" and is made of a special washi paper with a "two-in-one" system. The interior is used for the money, while the exterior is decorated with Mizuhiki, a coloured and knotted paper cord in red, white, gold, and silver. The exterior is purely aesthetic and often features a "noshi", an auspicious lucky sign. The envelope should be covered with a cloth called a "fukusa", which is a silk lapping cloth that prevents the envelope from bending or getting dirty. The envelope is then presented with the topside facing right at the receptionist, using both hands.
It is important to select the right envelope, as different colours and designs are used for different occasions. For weddings, it is customary to use red and white, which are considered lucky colours in Japan. Envelopes with an upside-down red-and-white ribbon design are often used. It is also important to avoid using a bow knot, as this type of knot can be easily untied and is therefore not suitable for a once-in-a-lifetime event like a wedding. While white envelopes are generally used for formal settings, they are not recommended for weddings, as white is the colour of mourning in Japan.
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The envelope is covered by a cloth called fukusa until it is given to the couple
In Japan, it is customary to give money as a gift for each significant moment in life, including weddings. This money is always placed in an envelope, as presenting money directly is considered impolite. The envelope used for weddings is called a 'shugi-bukuro' and is made of washi paper. It is considered uncouth to present gifts without covering them first, so envelopes containing monetary gifts for weddings are often wrapped in a fukusa, a piece of fabric used for purifying equipment in Japanese tea ceremonies or for gift wrapping. The fukusa is draped over the gift, which may be placed on a wooden or lacquered tray. The choice of fukusa is considered an important part of the gift itself, indicating the occasion for which the gift is being given or the wealth of the giver.
The practice of covering gifts with a fukusa became widespread during the Edo period (1603-1867), when textiles became an integral part of Japanese art. Fukusa were often made of satin silk and featured embroidered designs, including auspicious symbols such as mandarin cranes and turtles, which represent longevity and good fortune. Other common motifs included nature scenes, folktales, and local deities. The use of fukusa as a way of presenting gifts has mostly died out, except for certain ritual exchanges during weddings in some regions of Japan, such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
The fukusa is carefully folded before being presented, with each fold holding symbolic meaning. It is first folded in half, representing heaven and earth, and then folded in half again, symbolising the four directions. The four-fold cloth represents the whole world. An additional fold is then made, resulting in an eightfold cloth that symbolises Buddhism's Eightfold Path.
The word 'fukusa' is derived from the characters 'fuku', meaning cloth wrapper, and 'sa', meaning silk gauze. It comes from the verb 'fukusameru', which means to wrap softly and gently. The fukusa is similar to the furoshiki, a larger cloth used in less formal, everyday situations, while the fukusa is reserved for more formal ceremonies.
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The type of knot used on the envelope has a specific meaning
In Japanese weddings, envelopes, known as Shugi-bukuro, are used to give money to the newlyweds. These envelopes are made of washi paper and are decorated with Mizuhiki—coloured and knotted paper cords that symbolise good luck and fortune. The type of knot used on the Mizuhiki has a specific meaning, and different knots are used for different occasions.
There are three main types of knots used in Mizuhiki: Hanamusubi, Musubikiri, and Awajimusubi. The Hanamusubi knot can be untied, so it is used for events that are expected to occur repeatedly, such as a baby's birth or a child's admission into school. The Musubikiri knot, on the other hand, cannot be untied and is used for events that are not expected to occur again, such as weddings or funerals, as it represents a permanent connection. The Awajimusubi knot signifies a strong and lasting relationship and is used for both happy and sad occasions.
The Butterfly Knot (Chou-musubi) is another type of knot that is used for events with repeated celebrations, such as births, seasonal gifts, and prize money. This knot is considered unsuitable for weddings as they are once-in-a-lifetime events. The Plum Blossom Knot (Ume-musubi) is used for weddings, as well as births and new home celebrations.
When choosing a wedding envelope in Japan, it is important to consider the occasion, season, and recipient's preferences. For weddings, it is customary to write "寿" (Kotobuki) on the envelope, which means "celebrating a happy occasion." The colour of the Mizuhiki cords also holds significance, with red and gold denoting celebration, while black and white signify condolence.
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Frequently asked questions
White envelopes are considered formal in Japan and are therefore used for weddings.
Japanese wedding envelopes are called 'Shugi-bukuro' or 'goshuugibukuro'.
The knot on the envelope, called a 'Mizuhiki', is a symbol of human connection and is meant to ward off misfortune. The knot is also difficult to untie, signifying a permanent connection.
Envelopes with black and white, black and silver, yellow and white, silver and silver, blue and white, or white and white colour combinations are associated with funerals and mourning and should be avoided.
Japanese weddings can be 'wa-shiki' (Japanese style) or 'you-shiki' (Western style). In the Japanese style, the bride wears a white kimono and a kimono hood. The ceremony is reserved for family and close friends, and the couple seeks blessings for their marriage through ancient rituals.
