What do the patterns on kimono mean?

What do the patterns on kimono mean?

Kimono Patterns―9. Ougi (Fan) : A shape representing prosperity and good luck. From ancient times, beautiful artistic patterns on kimono have reflected the Japanese people’s delicate senses towards the changing seasons and how social conventions in the country have changed through its history.

What are kimono patterns called?

Japanese patterns come in many forms and all have a hidden meaning. Very much found on the kimono and other Japanese clothing, they are called wagara. Most of the traditional Japanese patterns dates back to the 8th century and are inspired by nature, of which the symbolism is very strong in Japanese culture.

Why do kimonos have patterns?

Traditionally, both the fabric and decoration of a kimono would indicate social status, since only the rich could afford luxurious silk while normal people would wear cotton. These days, the patterns become a way to express personal style or identity.

What do kimono colors mean?

In Japan, there are only four colors to be considered primary, pure, and genuine. White is a color of purity and represents truth, humility, and mourning. Black is associated with formality as well as mourning. Red is symbolic of the sun and is linked to authority, strength, sacrifice, joy, and happiness.

What are Japanese motifs?

Although Japan’s repertoire of symbolism is large and diverse, several motifs are seen very frequently in numerous aspects of Japanese art. Among the most popular and prominent motifs are the bamboo, pine, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, maple leaves, peony, camellia, crane, and chidori (plover).

What do Japanese patterns mean?

In general, Wagara means a Japanese pattern or design. These traditional and historic designs each have a very specific meaning and are often associated with a specific season or occasion. Many of these patterns date back thousands of years to as early as the 8th century and are mainly inspired by nature.

What are some Japanese motifs?

Here are some of the best-known traditional Japanese patterns.

• Uroko (Scales)
• Kōjitsunagi (Interlaced Kō Characters)
• Asanoha (Hemp Leaves)
• Yabane / Yagasuri (Arrow Feathers)
• Same Komon (Shark Skin)
• Seigaiha (Blue Ocean Waves)
• Shippō (Seven Treasures)
• Kikkō (Tortoiseshell)

What does a black kimono symbolize?

Black colous symbolized the bride’s strong intention to “not be dyed by anyone else”, and it is a kimono that gives an image of “hard chastity” like Shiromuku.

What symbolizes hope in Japan?

The Japanese cherry blossom, or sakura, is Japan’s national flower, and it represents hope and renewal.

What color is good luck in Japan?

Blue is also one of the most important lucky colors in Japan with the others in the category being yellow, white, purple, green and, red.

What does a red kimono mean?

Kimono for a young woman, 1800-1850, Khalili Collection. In Edo period Japan, the colour red signified youth and glamour. The benibana dye faded quickly, so the colour became symbolic of mad, passionate love that is all consuming but fleeting.

What do purple kimonos mean?

Koki-murasaki (Purple) It was reserved for the kimonos worn by Japan’s highest-ranking individuals and denied to lower classes.

What Colours are lucky in Japan?

Which are symbol of luck in Japan?

Koinobori, carp streamers These windsocks are a symbol of good luck and represent the family’s wishes to have happy, healthy and successful children.