The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM

IN THE COUNTRY AREAS OF JAPAN, THE WEDDING TAKES PLACE AT THE
BRIDEGROOM'S HOUSE. THE BRIDE'S LEAVE-TAKING, HOWEVER, IS
CEREMONIAL AND COVERS DAYS OF FEASTING AND OTHER WEDDING
PREPARATIONS. THE BRIDE'S HAIR IS ARRANGED IN THE ELABORATE MARRIED
STYLE WITH EXQUISITE ORNAMENTS. HERE FACE AND NECK ARE COVERED WITH
THICK WHITE POWDER AND SHE IS DRESSED IN A ROBE AND SASH OF WHITE-
THE DEATH COLOUR-BECAUSE MARRIAGE MEANS THE BRIDE'S DEATH TO HER
FATHER'S FAMILY. BENEATH THIS IS A GARMENT OF SCARLET, THE DRESS
OF A NEW-BORN BABE, TYPICAL OF HER BIRTH INTO HER HUSBAND'S FAMILY.
THE BRIDE CARRIES A MIRRORCASE THAT ALL UPPER-CLASS JAPANESE WOMEN
WEAR WITH CEREMONIAL DRESS. IT CONTAINS ALSO A LONG SILVER HAIR PIN
(A DAGGER DURING FEUDAL JAPANESE TIMES); A BROCADE-COVERED CRYSTAL
WHICH HUNG FROM THE CASE ON A SILK CORD. THE MIRRORCASE IS
EMBELMATIC OF THE MIRROR, THE JEWEL AND THE SWORD OF THE IMPERIAL
REGALIA.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S OLDER SISTER WAS MARRIED ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE CUSTOM
AND FAMILY TRADITION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Date learned: 08-01-1964