What do kimono patterns mean?

PATTERNS: Seigaiha is a pattern of overlapping circles, symbolic of waves and the ebb and flow of life. Shippo is an infinitely repeating circular design representing the seven jewels or treasures from the Buddhist Sutras. Hexagons represent the pattern on a tortoise shell and signify longevity and good fortune.

Can Japanese men wear kimonos?

Today, Kimonos are most often worn by women, and on special occasions. A few older women and even fewer men still wear Kimonos on a daily basis. This is why the Japanese now wear the Kimono at weddings, tea ceremonies, formal events, seasonal and religious festivals.

What is a Hitoe kimono?

Hitoe. “Hitoe” means “single”. Hitoe is a non-sheer kimono without back fabric. So it has single obverse fabric. Exclusively worn from June to September, but as a general rule, June AND September (Japanese early summer and late summer).

What are kimono patterns called?

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.

What do Japanese patterns mean?

Wagara
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 is the male equivalent of a kimono?

Yukata

What is a Koshimaki?

Koshimaki were long pieces of cloth wrapped around the waist which served as a kind of simple alternative to what we now consider underwear. However, in 1939, many women switched from kimonos to monpe – that is, loose trousers that made it impossible to use koshimaki while wearing them.

What is a furisode in Japan?

The furisode is a kimono for young women with long sleeves that hang down to the ankles or calves. History and Designs of FurisodeThe term furisode, literally meaning “swinging sleeves,”refers to kimono with long, flowing sleeves.

What is a Tomesode kimono?

The type of kimono called “tomesode” today refers to the kimono having patterns woven only in the lower body part of the kimono called “edozuma”, which were worn by geisha (Japanese professional female entertainer at drinking party) at first and became popular among women in Edo.

What is the difference between unlined kimono and multi-lined kimono?

Unlined kimonos are mostly worn during the humid summers of Japan. In contrast, multi-lined kimonos made of heavier cloth materials, such as wool fabric, are worn to brace against the harsh winters. In kimonos, it is largely the pattern and colors, rather than the garment cut, that is most significant.

What is Komon kimono made of?

Komon kimono can be made from many kinds of fabric including but not limited to silk, wool, polyester, and rayon. Depending on the season they can be lined, or unlined. Lined ones are for cooler weather, while unlined ones are for warmer weather.

What is Juni Hitoe kimono?

Noblewomen would wear “Juni-hitoe ”, the ceremonial attire of a Japanese court lady (consisting originally of twelve layers of unlined kimono worn one on top of another). They especially attached importance to how the color of each Kimono harmonized. This mindset still remains in current Kimono.

When did wearing kimono become current style?

And 400 years ago, even the common people started wearing Kimono and technic of dyeing or embroidery made rapid development. At that time, Kimono become current style and people started considering Kimono as an industrial art object. When did Japanese Stop wearing Kimono? It was 1868 that Japanese people started wearing Western style clothes.