Written by Mauro.

Yuinou no gi 結納の儀 The Exchange of Pre Wedding Gifts

yuinou no gi

An ancient tradition that has survived to this day, formal, sumptuous that aims to bring closer and formalize relationships between the families of the spouses before the wedding.

The tradition of Yuinou no gi 結納の儀 appears to date back more than 1600 years ago when the successor prince of Emperor Nintoku sent Kurohime a series of gifts to the family to formalize their marriage.

Although it has changed over time it has remained linked above all to a certain class of the Japanese population (given the costs of this ceremony), it is part of modern Japan, where the exchange of gifts between the families of the bride and groom is usually held in hotels or restaurants of a certain level with "gifts" that recall tradition.

The "offerings" that fall within the tradition include an "obi" (the "sash" that surrounds the kimono), kimono fabric along with objects such as a Japanese-style folding fan, dried bonito, dried millet and dried squid, which have a strong reference to tradition, even if lately sending a cash present is becoming more common.

The gifts presented are served on wooden shelves, simple and clean which represent the "purity" of the couple's love and marriage. The "ceremony" is usually held in a hotel or restaurant of a certain standing to define the sumptuousness of the event. The wife of the owner, of the restaurant or the manager, is called Okamisann and explains the various gifts presented so as to describe their meaning and link with tradition.

yuinou no gi 2

The groom gives the bride and family the Yuinou kin, which is a generous sum of money. Among other gifts we have dried cuttlefish, a Kobu (fuko) that recalls happiness (in Japanese, Yoro Kobu is said when one is happy). The Tomoshiraga where the word "Tomo" means "together" and "Shiraga" can be translated as "white hair", calls for the wish for spouses to live a happy life together until they grow old.
These are among the main gifts that recall tradition, over time others have been added but the basic meaning always remains that of wishing the couple longevity, happiness and financial stability.

A tradition that has continued from the 4th century to today, generally unchanged over the centuries, showing us once again how in modern Japan the past, the present and I'm sure also the future have a continuity that is often not found in other Western countries.