How to Exchange Yui-No Gifts Before a Japanese Wedding

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:ExchangeYuiGiftsBeforeJapaneseWedding
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How to Exchange Yui-No Gifts Before a Japanese Wedding

Introduction

Prior to your wedding, prepare a yui-no ceremony, in which the bride and groom and their families exchange a series of gifts that signify happiness and fortune.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Exchange two main gifts: an obi for the bride, which is a sash worn with a kimono, representing female virtue; and a hakama skirt for the groom - a man's kimono worn for formal occasions, which symbolizes fertility.
2

Step Two

Carefully select nine other special items to offer to your partner and his or her family that symbolically speak your sincere wishes.
3

Step Three

Express your sincere wishes by giving naga-noshi, which is made from abalone and in the past was traditionally a costly item.
4

Step Four

Exchange "moeny," or money, as a ceremonial gift.
5

Step Five

Offer katsuo-bushi, which is a dried bonito used to make soup stock. This has high value.
6

Step Six

Indicate everlasting quality with dried cuttlefish, called surume.
7

Step Seven

Include konbu tangles for their strong breeding power. They are a wish for happy and healthy future generations.
8

Step Eight

Present Shiraga, or hemp, to show your desire for cooperation in your marriage. Since shiraga sounds like "white hair" in Japanese, it also expresses your wish for a long future.
9

Step Nine

Offer a fan, or suehiro, as a sign of your happiness about the upcoming marriage. Since the fan extends to the end, it shows your hopes for the future.
10

Step Ten

Include a sake, or wine, cask. This is called yanagi-daru. It is made of willow trees with tender leaves to show your obedience to the relationship.
11

Step Eleven

Prepare mokuoku, which is a list of all of the items you deliver.

Tips & Warnings

  • Exchange your gifts through a go-between or matchmaker on a day that is considered lucky according to the Japanese almanac.
  • Provide a list of all of your family members along with the gifts, so the families can become familiar with one another.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Fans
  • Hakamas
  • Obi
  • Japanese Almanacs
  • Sake
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