Japan is a country rich in cultural heritage, and its wedding traditions are a reflection of this deep-rooted history. Japanese weddings have evolved over time, blending ancient Shinto customs with contemporary Western influences. Young couples choose to marry according to world-recognizable traditions. However, let's take a look at what traditional Japanese weddings have been like.

Traditional Shinto Weddings

Japanese weddings place great importance on spirituality and symbolism. A Shinto wedding, known as "shinzen shiki," is a sacred ceremony conducted at a Shinto shrine. The couple, dressed in elaborate traditional attire, undergoes a series of rituals to mark their union, seeking blessings for a harmonious and prosperous marriage. These ceremonies are attended by close family members. The serene atmosphere of the shrine, along with the rituals performed, emphasizes the sanctity and purity of the wedding.

Just like in other parts of the world, the color of the Japanese bride's dress is white. The bride typically wears a white kimono called "shiro-muku," symbolizing purity and new beginnings. This attire reflects her willingness to accept the customs of her husband's family. She may also don a hood called "tsuno-kakushi," symbolizing the concealment of her ego and control over emotions, particularly jealousy –  the Japanese know what to expect in married life. The groom wears a black kimono called "montsuki," adorned with the family crest, and pairs it with pleated skirt-like trousers known as "hakama." Some brides may change into a colorful kimono called "iro-uchikake" during the reception to signify joy and celebration.

One of the most significant rituals in a Shinto wedding is the "san-san-kudo," or "three-three-nine times" sake-sharing ceremony. The couple takes three sips each from three different cups, following the symbolic pattern of three. The number three is considered sacred in Japanese culture, representing happiness, prosperity, and longevity. This act symbolizes the bonding of the couple and the union of their families.

As part of the Shinto tradition, the couple makes offerings to the Kami (Shinto deities) to seek their blessings for a harmonious and prosperous marriage. These offerings may include sacred branches of the "sakaki" tree, rice, sake, and salt. The act of presenting these offerings signifies gratitude and reverence towards the divine forces believed to protect the couple throughout their married life.

Unlike Western weddings, verbal vows in a Shinto wedding are minimal. Instead of spoken promises, the couple presents symbolic offerings and performs a deep bow, reflecting their mutual commitment and respect. The exchange of rings, a common practice in Western ceremonies, is sometimes incorporated into modern Shinto weddings, although it is not a traditional element. A true promise is heartfelt and based on mutual respect.

The Shinto wedding ceremony is a deeply spiritual and solemn event, focusing on the connection between the couple, their families, and the divine. Although many Japanese couples today are wedded Western-style, traditional Shinto weddings continue to hold a special place in Japanese culture. This is a time when we delve into true values ​​– unconditional love, respect, mindfulness, and soul-directed living, which gives spirituality a big role.

Reception and Gift-Giving Customs

No matter how a Japanese couple chooses to get married, the symbolism of gifts still plays an essential role in weddings. Guests are expected to bring "goshugi," monetary gifts placed in decorative envelopes called "shugi-bukuro." The amount given depends on the guest's relationship with the couple, with close relatives typically giving larger sums.

During the reception, the bride and groom may change outfits multiple times, known as "oironaoshi," to showcase different looks. Speeches from family members, friends, and company superiors are common.

Wedding Meal in Japan

Japan is known for its clean, natural, and uncomplicated approach to cooking. Let's take a look at how the Japanese treat themselves at weddings!

The wedding meal, or "kekkon hiroen no ryori," is an essential part of Japanese wedding celebrations, showcasing both traditional and modern culinary elements. A well-prepared wedding meal is meant to bring good fortune and happiness to the newlyweds and their guests. The dishes included in the meal have symbolic meaning. They symbolize prosperity, longevity, and happiness.

Many Japanese weddings feature kaiseki, a multi-course meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and delicate flavors. Kaiseki consists of meticulously prepared dishes that emphasize harmony, taste, texture, and presentation. The meal may include a selection of sashimi (raw fish), grilled fish, simmered vegetables, soup, and rice. Each dish is carefully plated to create an aesthetic and delicious dining experience.

Certain foods hold special meaning in a wedding meal. Red and white dishes symbolize happiness and purity, while ingredients like abalone represent endurance, and shrimp symbolize longevity due to their curved backs, resembling elderly people. Sea bream, known as "tai," is often served as it is associated with the phrase "medetai," which signifies good fortune. Bamboo shoots, which grow quickly, symbolize prosperity and growth in marriage.

A traditional wedding often includes a ceremonial sake toast known as "kagami-biraki," where a large sake barrel is broken open to signify harmony and good fortune. Guests then share the sake as a celebratory drink, reinforcing the bonds between families and friends. This ritual not only symbolizes the couple’s new journey together but also promotes unity among attendees.

But not all wedding meals are in Japanese tradition. Many modern Japanese wedding meals incorporate Western-style dishes such as steak, pasta, or a buffet-style selection. Japanese culinary art merges with global inspiration. Some weddings feature a mix of traditional Japanese and Western cuisine, offering a variety of choices. French and Italian dishes, in particular, have become popular additions, providing a refined and sophisticated dining experience.

Although not traditionally Japanese, wedding cakes have become a popular addition to Japanese receptions. They are often elaborately decorated and symbolize the sweetness of married life. Some couples choose to have a Japanese-style wedding cake made from wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) or mochi (rice cake) to incorporate cultural elements into this Western custom.

Seasonal ingredients play an important role in Japanese wedding meals, ensuring that the food is fresh and meaningful. The Japanese also choose seasonal, clean and high-quality food in their everyday lives – it's not for nothing that the Japanese are one of the longest-living people in the world. Spring weddings may feature cherry blossom-themed dishes, while autumn weddings might include chestnuts and matsutake mushrooms, which are considered delicacies.

There is a wedding in which guests receive beautifully prepared bento boxes containing an assortment of delicacies tailored to individual tastes and dietary preferences. This practice ensures that every guest can enjoy the wedding meal while experiencing a sense of exclusivity and thoughtfulness from the couple.

The wedding meal serves as a significant way to express gratitude to guests and celebrate the joyous union of the couple. By combining traditional elements with modern creativity, Japanese wedding meals continue to be a cherished and integral part of the marriage celebration.

Modern Trends and Changes

In recent decades, Western-style weddings have gained popularity in Japan. Many couples choose to hold their ceremonies in chapels or elegant venues, incorporating elements such as wedding dresses, tuxedos, and the exchange of rings.

Brides often wear a white wedding gown, while grooms choose a Western-style suit or tuxedo. Some couples choose Christian-style ceremonies, even if they are not religious, as they appreciate the romantic atmosphere. Wedding receptions in Japan are formal affairs featuring multiple-course meals, speeches, and entertainment.

Intimate wedding triumphs are taking place all over the world. With changing societal norms, some couples are opting for simpler, more personalized weddings. Destination weddings, small gatherings, and even casual celebrations have become more common. Additionally, some couples choose "jinzen shiki" (civil ceremonies) for legal registration without a grand celebration.

Japanese weddings beautifully balance tradition and modernity; each wedding reflects the couple's unique preferences while honoring cultural heritage. These evolving traditions ensure that Japanese weddings remain meaningful and cherished experiences for generations to come.

Author: Ieva Simanoviča