Kimono: Explore Collections: Windows to the World: Digital Artifacts for Global Educators: Indiana University Bloomington

Kimono

The Japanese kimono is a traditional garment with a long history and deep cultural significance in Japan. It is a T-shaped, straight-cut robe, often with wide sleeves and a sash or belt called an obi. The kimono is worn wrapped around the body, with the left side usually over the right.

Kimonos are crafted from various fabrics, ranging from silk for formal occasions to cotton for more casual wear. The choice of fabric and patterns can indicate the wearer's social status, age, and the season. For instance, cherry blossoms may be used for spring, while maple leaves represent autumn.

In Japan, the kimono is worn on various occasions, each reflecting the garment's cultural significance and tradition. One of the most notable events is Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi), which takes place on the second Monday of January. Newly- turned 20-year-olds (the legal age of adulthood in Japan) often don formal kimono to celebrate their coming of age and participate in ceremonies and festivities.

Weddings are another significant occasion where kimono attire holds a special place. Some Japanese brides choose to wear traditional wedding kimonos, such as the shiromuku (white wedding kimono) or the uchikake (colorful, embroidered outer robe), during their wedding ceremony or reception. Similarly, guests may also opt to wear formal kimono to honor the occasion and adhere to cultural customs.

For children, the Shichi-Go-San ceremony is a cherished rite of passage. Celebrated when children turn three, five, and seven years old, families visit shrines to receive blessings. On this special day, children, especially girls aged three and seven, often wear colorful and elaborate kimonos, further symbolizing the significance of the occasion.

Tea ceremonies are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and during formal tea gatherings, both the host and guests may wear traditional kimono. This practice adds to the event's sense of tradition and formality, enhancing the overall experience of the tea ceremony.

Throughout the year, various festivals and cultural events across Japan provide opportunities for participants and performers to showcase their local traditions and heritage. In some of these events, wearing a kimono is an important aspect of embracing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity found throughout the country.

In addition to these special occasions, coming-of-age ceremonies organized by local communities or organizations offer another opportunity for participants to wear kimono as they mark their transition to adulthood. Graduation ceremonies in some educational institutions also witness students wearing kimonos, especially in high schools and colleges with strong traditional ties.

While kimono wear has become less common in everyday life, its presence in these important events and cultural celebrations ensures that this iconic attire remains an essential symbol of Japan's cultural identity and heritage. The kimono's enduring significance enriches these occasions, making them memorable and deeply rooted in the nation's cultural fabric.

Teacher-Made Kimono Lesson Plan- Classical-Modern Languages I-II by Laura Semba

Resources

Resource 1

The Origin of Kimono- Google Arts and Culture

The Google Art & Culture page shows a brief history of Kimono along with beautiful images of them.

Resource 2

Tatôgami Folding- YouTube Shorts

19th Century Tatoshe (Tatogami)- Tatami Antiques

Tatôgami is a heavy paper that is intended for wrapping kimono. Japanese wrap and store kimonos in this special type of paper to protect the garments from dust, dirt, and insects. The kimono is folded and wrapped in a specific way to keep it from creasing.

The YouTube shorts video shows how a kimono is wrapped in tatôgami. The Tatami Antiques site shows an example of a 19th century tatôgami.

Resource 3

The designers taking the kimono into the future- BBC

The kimono has left a significant mark on the fashion industry, both in Japan and worldwide, through its enduring influence on various aspects of fashion design and aesthetics. Fashion designers have drawn inspiration from the kimono's elegant and flowing silhouette, incorporating similar draping and loose-fitting elements into modern designs. This influence can be seen in dresses, tops, jackets, and outerwear, adding a touch of sophistication and timeless elegance to contemporary fashion.

The intricate patterns and motifs found on traditional kimono fabrics have also had a profound impact on textile designs in the fashion industry. Floral patterns, delicate embroideries, and Japanese-inspired prints often draw from the kimono's rich visual heritage, creating a unique fusion of cultures in modern garments. Moreover, the kimono's wide and flowing sleeves, known as "kimono sleeves" or "batwing sleeves," have become a popular style in Western fashion, adding an artistic and bohemian touch to various clothing items.

Fashion designers have also experimented with cultural fusions, blending elements of the kimono with other cultural styles. This approach creates unique and eclectic designs that resonate with global fashion audiences seeking distinctive and culturally inspired clothing. Additionally, the kimono's emphasis on craftsmanship, durability, and timeless appeal aligns with the principles of sustainable fashion. It encourages consumers to appreciate high-quality, long-lasting garments that transcend seasonal trends.

Kimono

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