THE KIMONO
What is a kimono? To many people it is just a piece of cloth; a traditional
kind of Japanese dress. When asked this question, many people see only
what is right in front of their eyes, without looking for the deeper meaning
quietly hiding within the folds of fabric. To be honest I was once one
of them. But if asked this question now, I would answer, yes it is those
things, but it also holds so much more meaning than that. The kimono epitomizes
Japanese culture. It carries the history and customs of Japan within its
very fiber.
The kimono has been worn by Japanese people for centuries. Over hundreds
of years it has developed in to what we now know as the kimono. The delicate
styles, the intricate designs, the beautiful colours all combine to produce
what the Japanese call 'clothes', and what I call a 'work of art'. It
has soaked up the spirit, history, and culture of the Japanese people,
and continues to intrigue in a way that little else can.
The different styles of kimono such as long or short sleeved, festive
or reserved, depend on many different circumstances. This includes things
like whether you are married or single, old or young, whether you are
attending a wedding as the mother of the bride or groom, or simply as
a guest; whether you are celebrating a festival or attending a gathering,
and much more. These customs provide great insights in to the past and
what has given rise to the culture of Japan today.
The designs and colours present on the kimono are just as insightful.
Through the delicate designs and colours embroidered on to the fabric,
you can begin to get a feel for the way the Japanese viewed the world,
and acquire a sense of the Japanese taste of artistic beauty. Kimonos
frequently depict images that mimic the changing seasons, and creatively
capture fleeting moments of beauty. By pausing to view the intricately
weaved scenes flowing across the length of fabric, you can see and feel
the past, not just dream about it.
The way a kimono is worn is also deceptively simple looking, yet gruelingly
complicated. Having something that looks simple on the surface, yet so
difficult in practice, is a typical aspect of Japanese culture. Japanese
people do not show off their skills and are humble concerning everything
they do. Again, the kimono reflects this desire which has become ingrained
within the very being of Japanese culture.
Well, you may be wondering what caused such a considerable change in
the way I view kimono. To be honest it was quite an accident. I was roped
in to a kimono competition! This has lead me to places I never thought
I would go!
Sensing a story? You bet!
To be continued...
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