1. Introduction
Japanese weddings are a special and unique celebration of two people joining together in marriage. From the traditional wedding dress, to the elaborate ceremony and reception, Japanese weddings are steeped in culture and tradition. But do they kiss in Japanese weddings?
2. Overview of Japanese Wedding Tradition
In Japan, marriage is traditionally seen as a union between two families rather than just two individuals. Weddings are a time for families to come together, celebrate love, and exchange gifts. The traditional Shinto-style wedding ceremony involves the bride and groom wearing white kimonos, exchanging symbolic items such as sake cups and rings, and then having their parents bless them with sakazuki (sake).
3. Types of Weddings in Japan
There are several different types of weddings that can be found in Japan today. The most popular type is the Shinto-style wedding which is based on traditional Japanese customs and beliefs. Other types include Christian-style weddings which follow more western traditions such as exchanging vows and rings; Buddhist-style weddings which involve chanting mantras; or even civil ceremonies where couples simply sign documents to make their union official.
4. Traditional Japanese Wedding Dress and Attire
The traditional attire for a Japanese wedding is a white kimono for both the bride and groom known as shiromuku for her, and montsuki haori hakama for him. This outfit is usually accompanied by other accessories such as tabi socks for him, zōri sandals for her, an uchikake outer robe for her, or even a hakama skirt for him. The bride may also choose to wear a headdress called tsumami kanzashi made from silk flowers or hairpins decorated with pearls or crystals.
5. The Ceremony – Do They Kiss?
While it is not common practice to kiss during the ceremony itself, it is not uncommon to see couples kissing after they have exchanged their vows or rings during the reception celebration afterwards. This public display of affection is usually done in front of family members or close friends while everyone cheers them on with cries of “Banzai!” (long life).
6. Other Forms of Public Display of Affection in Japanese Weddings
Apart from kissing during the reception celebration, there are other forms of public display of affection that couples often take part in during their wedding day such as holding hands while walking down the aisle before exchanging their vows or rings; sharing food from each other’s plate at dinner; using special phrases like “I love you”; presenting each other with small gifts like jewelry; or even writing love letters to each other that can be read out loud during the ceremony or reception celebration afterwards.
7. Reception Celebration Customs and Rituals
After the ceremony has been completed, it’s time to celebrate! The reception typically consists of many different rituals including sharing drinks with family members (san san kudo), cutting cakes together (shinzen kekkon), playing games (omikuji),singing songs (uta no hanashi),giving speeches (tougenkyou),presenting gifts (okurimono),throwing rice at newlyweds (takemaki), releasing paper lanterns into the sky (hanabiraki), taking photos together (shashin shuugyou),etc…
8 Conclusion
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In conclusion, while it may not be common practice to kiss during a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony itself, couples often choose to share an intimate moment afterwards when surrounded by close family members or friends at the reception celebration.Public displays of affection such as holding hands while walking down the aisle before exchanging vows/rings; sharing food from each others plates ; using special phrases like “I love you” ; presenting small gifts like jewelry ; writing love letters ; etc…are all very common practices at modern day weddings in Japan today.
9 Sources/References
– https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2058_002.html
– https://www.japaneseweddingtraditions.com/traditional-japanese-wedding/
– https://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/the-many-rituals-of-a-traditional-japanese-wedding
Do you have to kiss at a wedding ceremony?
Kissing is not a legal requirement nor is it an act in a wedding ceremony. It is a personal choice between the bride and groom and whether they feel comfortable doing so in public.
What is the wedding traditions in Japan?
First they perform a purification ceremony then a marriage contract is signed and then the bride and groom are exchanged in the San San Kudu ceremony uniting the two families. The ceremony ends with the symbolic offering of a small twig called sakaki to the deity. Traditional marriages are becoming less and less popular.
What happens in Japanese weddings?
During the ceremony the bride and groom drink alcohol to purify themselves and the groom recites his vows. At the end of the ceremony symbolic offerings are made to the kami (Shinto deities). The couple wears traditional kimono. After the ceremony the couple will welcome all the guests and hold a reception.
What happens at a wedding after the kiss?
Withdrawal begins immediately after the first kiss and usually follows the reverse sequence of procedures. They lead the way back to the wedding hall. But not before enlisting the help of your bridesmaids to adjust the wedding dress and length if needed.
Is it OK to not kiss before marriage?
Ultimately deciding to kiss before marriage is a personal decision between you and the person you are committing to. If anyone has doubts about the temptation to submit or do more its best to follow Gods lead and wait until youre married before kissing.
What is marrying age in Japan?
18 years of age
The male partner must be 18 years of age or older and the female partner must be 18 years of age or older. A person who is under 18 years of age cannot get married in Japan without a parents approval. Most people related by blood, by adoption or through other marriages cannot get married in Japan.
