Tidbit: History of the Kimono

by - July 28, 2012

A few months ago, I decided to teach myself how to speak Japanese. Of course, it's not exactly as easy as pouring myself a cup of tea or learning how to sit with my legs crossed. So I thought to myself...how on earth am I going to do this?

Well, eventually, I came to the conclusion that it would help to read children's books...in Japanese. The language would be minimal and the story would hopefully be easy to follow.

Why the long and unnecessary prelude to a post that the title already gives away?

The information that I am about to indulge is from a children's website that teaches kids about the history of the kimono. As someone who is unfamiliar with the history of Japanese costume, looking toward educational websites for kids is the best way to go about learning it.

If you'd like to see the actual site, click here.

What exactly did I learn?

1. The word "kimono" actually meant clothing but now it refers to a specific type of clothing, the one that we are most familiar with.

2. The kimono that we know of now originated back in the Heian period, which moved the norm of clothing from trousers and skirts to kimonos made from the straight-line-cut method.

3. The straight-line-cut made worrying about body shapes and silhouettes unnecessary. Plus, folding it was a cinch!

4. Kimonos can be layered for all weather types, making them a vital part of the Japanese's everyday lives.

5. Eventually, people started thinking "Oh hey, I'd like some colors and patterns in my clothes" so kimonos were constructed using colors that represented class nobility or just to distinguish the seasons.

6. Over time, the color and pattern of the kimonos became part of the samurai's uniform, showing which domain they were a part of.

7. In present day Japan, kimonos are reserved for special occasions, like festivals or weddings.

Here are some pictures of what a kimono looks like!





I really want to go visit Japan one day so I can wear a kimono and go to a summer festival and eat takoyaki :')

Are there any cultures you're interested in or maybe a place you'd like to visit? Let me know down below!


Until next,
{kiss kiss kiss}
~Jenn

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4 comments

  1. thanks Jenn for your lovely comment on my blog! the Japanese kimono is so pretty. I love all the beautiful designs and it's really one of the most gorgeous national costumes. I was actually in a kimono shop in Japan once but didn't take one home as they were too expensive, but I did manage to come home with a yukata :D

    metallicpaws.blogspot.com

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    1. aw, no problem! :)

      I couldn't have said it better! Kimonos just have such an elegance to them that can't be replaced with trendy Western fashions like lace or pearl necklaces.

      :O ! I'm seriously jealous right now. Dyinggg to go visit Japan! I wonder how expensive it is to buy one!

      -Jenn

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    2. ooh , cool post! I like it:)!

      Greetings from Poland:)

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