What does it mean to have your kimono tied in the front?
Table of Contents
What does it mean to have your kimono tied in the front?
If you wear kimono daily, you can tie the obi at the back, on your own, without much trouble, so tying at the front is basically trading one minor convenience for some inconvenience. My feeling is that tying at the front is not for practical reason, but more of a symbol, a way of indicating your status and profession.
Why do Japanese wear obi?
The main purpose of the obi knot is to keep the kimono closed and secure. Kimono obi belts are usually made out of satin or silk material. Both women and men wear kimono obi to secure the kimono, but a kimono obi for women are much longer than kimono obi for men.
What is the purpose of an obi?
The main purpose of an obi is to secure a kimono and keep it closed. But nowadays, obis for women’s kimonos are more extravagant and can rival a peacock’s feathers. They are made wider, more decorative , with under-sashes and ribbons, and there are several ways to tie knots.
How do dead people wear kimonos?
Kimono Rule #1: Left over Right Always wear the left side over the right side. Only dead people have their kimono worn right over left. So unless you are at your own funeral, remember this basic but important rule for wearing a kimono! A useful and amuzing memory aid for this rule is the phrase “leftover rice”.
How long is an obi?
obi, wide sash or belt made of satin or a stiff silk material, worn since ancient times in Japan to secure the kimono. A woman’s obi is about 12 feet (370 cm) long and 10 inches (25 cm) wide; a man’s obi is about three-fourths as long and one-sixth as wide.
Where is obi tied?
For women, the obi is tied around the abdomen, whereas for men it is lower, around the waist or above the hips. As for front vs back, that depends on the knot that you’re using. Originally when the obi was used as a simple belt, they would be tied at the front.
What do geishas carry on their backs?
1. What is an Obi Belt? An obi belt is a long decorative belt that is wrapped around the body to wear a Japanese kimono or yukata. They have no fastening, and instead are tied together in a bow or other attractive knot.
What is the square thing on the back of a kimono?
The obi, which can be close to four meters long, is usually wrapped around the waist and tied on the back into a big square called a drum knot. There also are fancier ways to tie the obi, particularly for the type of kimono that single women wear.