The traditional white wedding kimono is called shiro-maku. Shiro meaning white and maku meaning pure. The Japanese wedding kimono actually consists of several different kimono. The white wedding kimono is worn for the wedding ceremony and an elaborate rich patterned silk brocade kimono called uchikake is worn over the white kimono at the wedding reception. The bride will normally change her dress several times, a tradition dating from the 14th century that signifies that she is prepared to return to everyday life.
The uchikake kimono originated in the Edo era and was mainly worn only by court nobles. The kimono is made of silk and beautiful silk brocade. The kimono is rich in fine embroidered patterns and scenes of flowers, cranes, pines, flower carts and nature motifs embellish the kimono in rich color. The wedding day will be the last time the bride will wear a rich highly patterned kimono, for in Japan they are reserved only to be worn by young unmarried women. Red is the most popular uchikake kimono color, however they are available in many different colors from imperial purple to sea green
The brides hair is styled in the traditional hair style called bunkin-takashimada and adorned with beautiful kanzashi ornaments, combs and accessories.
A white wedding hood called a tsuno-kakushi literally meaning "to hide horns" is worn during the ceremony indicating that she will carry out her role as a wife with patience and serenity. Like American weddings, there are traditional wedding accessories that are worn for tradition and are said to bring good luck. The bride carries a small purse style sack called hakoseko and a small encased sword called kaiken.
Lastly, a fan is worn in the obi belt for tradition holds that the gradual widening of the open fan implies happiness and thus brings a happy future.
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