Summer is a season filled with a variety of events, including fireworks displays and festivals. Heading out in a cool yukata will surely get you into the summer mood. Nowadays, yukatas come in a variety of patterns. Among them, there are many different traditional "auspicious motifs," but some people may not be sure what they mean. In this article, we will introduce the meanings of the "auspicious motifs" that are often seen on yukata. Knowing a little about them will help you enjoy wearing a yukata.
What are auspicious patterns?
If you look up the word "kissho" in a dictionary, you will find that it means "a good omen, a happy sign." Kissho patterns are patterns that express the idea of a good omen or auspicious sign. They are based on designs that are considered to be auspicious and are used on formal kimonos and obi sashes. Auspicious patterns originated from the beliefs and ideas of China and Asia, and include patterns unique to China (a typical example is the bat) and patterns that originated in Japan (such as blinds). Furthermore, some designs that are considered auspicious in Asia may have bad omen meanings in Europe.Auspicious patterns with roots in Chinese beliefs and customs
Dragon text
This pattern depicts a dragon. Dragons are considered to be the pinnacle of animal powers due to their majestic appearance, and in China they were depicted specifically on the dragon robes worn by emperors.Phoenix
Like the dragon, the phoenix is a legendary bird and is one of the four auspicious creatures (kirin, turtle, dragon, and phoenix). It is said to appear when a peaceful world arrives. It is used not only for kimonos and yukatas, but also for wrapping cloths, and the male is called phoenix and the female is called huang, both of which are symbols of marital harmony.Clouds
Crane and Turtle
As the saying goes, "A crane lives for a thousand years, a turtle for ten thousand years," the crane is depicted as a symbol of longevity. Also, because the crane's voice can be heard far and wide, it is believed to reach the heavens, and so the crane is also seen as "an entity that connects heaven and earth."Pine, bamboo, and plum
Silver threaded yukata with different weave - Ruby plum
Auspicious patterns originating in Japan
blinds
During the Heian period, blinds were used in shinden-zukuri buildings, and these blinds were used as elegant patterns by the nobility.Hinoki fan
This folding fan, which is held by the Emperor and Empress on the Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) on March 3rd, is decorated with waka poems and pictures. At the time, only the lower classes could own folding fans, so they were symbols of wealth and prosperity.Imperial carriage
Noshi (gift wrapping)
It is made from thinly stretched abalone meat and is used as an attachment to wedding gifts, and a bundle of these noshi, called "bundled noshi," is an auspicious motif. It can be seen in the patterns of men's yukata, and is also used in yukata for dancing.Medicine ball
Specially Selected Plain Weave Yukata - Colorful Clouds and Garlands
Treasures galore
Takara-zukushi, which features a variety of treasure items, may feature multiple designs such as the magic mallet, coral, or cloisonné, or may feature only one item as a motif. There are large designs and small designs scattered all over. This motif is also often seen on yukata used in Japanese dance.southern sky
