Traditions

Definition: Traditions is the passing down of elements of a culture, such as customs and beliefs, from one generation to the next.

Kimono
Kimono is a traditional form of Japanese-style clothing (Wafaku) that is worn by both Japanese men and women. In the past, the Kimono is worn by the Japanese people daily. However, due to heavy influences by the westerners, the Japanese nowadays wear Western-style clothes (Yofuku) as part of everyday life.

Today, Kimono is often worn by the older women or when attending formal or special ceremonial occasions. Such occasions include the New Year, wedding ceremonies, attending traditional arts such as tea ceremony and ikebana class.

Distinguished by the style, method of weaving, colour and designs of fabric, each type of Kimono caters to the various occasions and seasons. The choice of the type of Kimono is dependent on the age and marital status and the formality of the occasion.

There are many different kinds of Kimono for both Japanese men and women. Kimono for the men are black and for the woman are in a variety of colours. There are various different types of kimono for use at different times and on different occasions.

Below are pictures which show how to wear Kimono appropriately for both men and women.

Here are some examples of the different types of Kimono:

Furisode is the most formal Kimono with very long sleeves that is worn by girls and young women who are single. Brightly coloured, it catches the attention of the guys and signal to them that they are available for marriage.

Tomesode is a formal kimono with sleeves of regular length for married women.

Yukata is a cotton kimono that can be worn after bath, for going out or as a nightwear and people usually wear yukata in ryokan which is a traditional Japanese inn.

Geisha
Geisha is an important aspect in the Japanese tradition. They are professional female entertainers who perform different kinds of Japanese traditional arts such as dance and playing musical instruments for guests during meals, banquets and other occasions. Besides being well trained in performing arts, they also attend lessons to improve their computer skills and English communication skills. Two basic types of geisha include tachikata and jikata. Tachikata are younger geisha who dance and jikata are older women who sing or play instruments.
Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony (Cha-no-yu) is a traditional ritual which involves preparing powdered green tea (Macha) and enjoying the taste of tea. It is influenced by Zen Buddhism. Learning the tea rituals is essential in order participate in a tea ceremony.

Ikebana
Ikebana refers to flower arrangement. During the Muromachi period, ikebana is introduced to Japan along with tea ceremony and other Zen art. Flowers are arranged as a form of creative art and not solely for decoration purposes. There are various styles of arranging the flowers such as nageire and moribana.
Customs & Etiquettes
There are etiquettes which you have to follow when entering a Ryokan. Upon arrival, shoes have to be taken off at the entrance and slipper which is provided for indoor use have to be worn. However, slippers are not allowed on the tatami. Hence, it has to be taken off at the entrance before you enter the tatami room. Most ryokans have large communal bathing facilities. The common bath is used by all guests. Before entering, rinse yourself with warm water. Do take note to ensure the cleanliness of the bath when leaving.