Traditional Japanese weddings, particularly those conducted in the Shinto context, are a blend of spiritual ritual and rich cultural symbolism. The ceremony not only celebrates the union of two individuals, but also binds two families together in a meaningful celebration. This article will explore the unique aspects of a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, from the procession to the symbols involved.
Wedding Ceremony
Preparation Before the Ceremony
Before the ceremony, the bride and groom perform a purification ritual at a shrine. This includes a visit to the shrine to pay respects to their gods and ancestors. The bride’s family also holds a farewell party as a sign of respect.
Shrine Entrance Procession
The ceremony begins with a procession led by shrine maidens (miko), who escort the couple to the altar. Outside the shrine, the bride and groom wash their hands with holy water in a ritual called Chouzuno-gi to purify themselves before entering the holy place.
Purification Ritual
Once all the guests and the couple are inside the shrine, the Shinto priest performs a purification ritual known as Shubatsu. This ritual aims to ensure that the wedding goes smoothly and the couple is in a pure state.
San-san-kudo Ritual
The Meaning of San-san-kudo
One of the core rituals in the wedding ceremony is san-san-kudo, where the bride and groom drink sake from three different cups nine times in turn. The number nine is considered lucky in Japanese culture.
Cup Symbolism
Each cup has its own meaning:
Small cup: Symbolizes the past.
Medium cup: Symbolizes the present.
Large cup: Symbolizes the future.
This ritual is not only about drinking sake, but also about strengthening the bond between the bride and groom and their families.
Handing Over and Offering
Handing Over the White Veil
After the san-san-kudo ritual, the mother of the bride will lower the white veil from her daughter’s head as a symbol of the handing over of the child to the groom. This is an emotional moment that illustrates the transition from single life to marriage.
Offerings to the Gods
The ceremony concludes with making an offering to the gods by placing sazaki branches or twigs on the altar, as a sign of gratitude for the blessings received.
Conclusion
A traditional Japanese wedding ceremony is a blend of ritual beauty and deep meaning that reflects Japanese cultural values. From the procession to the san-san-kudo ritual, every step of the ceremony has rich symbolism, making it a meaningful experience not only for the couple but also for their families and the surrounding community.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is san-san-kudo?
San-san-kudo is a ritual in which the bride and groom drink sake from three different cups nine times in turn, symbolizing the union of two families. - What is the meaning of the white veil in a wedding ceremony?
The white veil symbolizes the purity and the handover of the daughter to her husband by her mother. - Why is there a purification ritual before the ceremony?
The purification ritual aims to purify the couple and ensure that the wedding goes smoothly. - What is the symbolism of the sake cups?
The small cup represents the past, the medium cup represents the present, and the large cup represents the future. - Where is a traditional wedding ceremony usually held?
A traditional wedding ceremony is usually held at a Shinto shrine with a Shinto priest leading the rites.
By understanding the uniqueness of this traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, we can better appreciate the richness of culture and the values contained within it!
Citations:
[1] https://tensai-indonesia.com/pernikahan-tradisional-jepang/
[2] https://www.fun-japan.jp/id/articles/8452
[3] http://repository.unsada.ac.id/5817/3/BAB%202.pdf
[4] https://kumparan.com/diva-aliefz/shinzenshiki-shen-qian-shi-upacara-pernikahan-jepang-yang-unik-namun-jarang-diketahui-1uvZYIRrSvR
[5] https://howliday.id/mengenal-besar-angkat-tradisi-pernikahan-jepang/
