It is also used in the Olympic logo and is used as a "Japanese pattern," but because it is a simple pattern of squares arranged in a grid, the same pattern is also known as a "checkered pattern" in the West and is equally popular.
In today's increasingly Westernized world, both checkered and checkered patterns are equally familiar to Japanese people. Even though they are the same pattern, why do we feel that the checkered pattern is so Japanese? Despite its simplicity, the checkered pattern is imbued with many auspicious meanings. We will introduce the familiar checkered pattern, tracing it back to its origins.
The birth of the "checkered pattern"
Although the pattern has been used since ancient times, and was featured on the clothing of haniwa figurines from the Kofun period, it is surprisingly only relatively recently that the pattern of squares arranged in a grid pattern has come to be called the "checkered pattern." The name comes from the fact that in 1741, a popular kabuki actor named Sano Ichimatsu, who was known during the Edo period, wore hakama featuring this pattern as his trademark.
In earlier times, it was more familiarly known as "cobblestone" or "hail" rather than "checkered pattern." The reason this pattern has so many names even in Japan may be because, despite its simplicity, it can be likened to a variety of things.
The "good luck" embodied in the checkered pattern
Like New Year's dishes, traditional Japanese things always have a meaning embedded in them. Of course, traditional patterns are no exception, and checkered patterns are imbued with a special sense of good fortune. Because the checkered pattern is a seamless pattern that continues endlessly up, down, left, and right, it is considered an auspicious pattern that brings prosperity to descendants and business expansion.
As mentioned earlier, the checkered pattern is also used in the emblem for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the pattern is imbued with auspicious meaning. Unlike the usual checkered pattern, which is made up of squares of the same shape, the emblem is made up of three different types of squares. This represents "diversity that comes from the involvement and expansion of many cultures and countries."
Although checkered patterns and checkered patterns may look the same, they have different meanings. Perhaps this is what makes us unconsciously perceive Japanese and Western styles.
summary
What did you think? The checkered pattern is a simple yet long-standing traditional pattern that has been passed down for a long time. It blends in well with both classic and modern patterns, and looks good on both men and women! How about coordinating it as a pair, whether it's with your parents and children, friends, or couples? Finally, we'd like to introduce some yukata featuring the checkered pattern, so be sure to take a look!
Specially selected plain weave yukata - red checkered pattern with flowers
Purchase here
Men's Yukata with a unique weave - Black Oak Hail Checkered Pattern
Purchase here
