Japanese Shinto

The Many Culture Of Japanese Weddings

Wedding practices of today have become widely influenced by Westernized wedding celebrations such as the exchange of wedding rings, the exchange of vows, the wearing of white wedding dress, as well as the traditional toast and cutting of the
wedding
cake. Although most countries have come to use the Western-style wedding celebrations as their own wedding tradition such as that seen in the Philippines, other countries have only adapted some of its popular practices, such as in China in which most brides have come to wear white wedding dresses rather than their own traditional Cheongsam or Hanfu.

However, there is one country in which wedding ceremonies are divided into three different practices, the Western-style wedding traditions, their own traditional wedding ceremonies, and mix of both practices. These traditions are found to be practiced in mainland Japan. Japanese wedding customs fall into two categories: traditional Shinto ceremonies, and modern Western-style ceremonies.

Shinto Wedding

Before ever getting married there are two types of mate selection that may occur with the couple: (1)
miai
, or an arranged marriage and (2)
ren ai
, or a love match. The Japanese bride-to-be may be painted pure white from head to toe, visibly declaring her maiden status to the gods. Traditional Japanese
wedding
customs (shinzen shiki) involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine.

Western-style Wedding

In recent years, the “Western Style Wedding” (influenced by Christian weddings) has become the choice of most couples in Japan. Japanese western style weddings are generally held in a chapel, either in a simple or elaborate ceremony, often at a dedicated wedding chapel within a hotel. And like most Westernized wedding celebration, their wedding celebration also involves the exchange of wedding vows, the wearing of white wedding dress, and the traditional wedding kiss.

Contemporary-style Wedding

With the two types of ceremonies, Shinto and Western, available it was bound for the two to be combined into what is called a contemporary Japanese wedding. This type of wedding involves the use of several Shinto style wedding, such as the wedding would be held in a Shinto shrine with Shinto priests, with the addition of the exchange of rings and weddings vows which are traditional Western-style wedding ceremonies. Brides could also choose from wearing their traditional wedding kimono or the white wedding dress. For more information visit to our site at http://philippineweddingplanner.com

About the Author

Beverly Huffine, born on March 21, 1970 in Beverly Hills,has coordinated a wide variety of events, bringing elegance and style to every designed event she has undertaken.She spends her leisure time through writing journals and articles related to her career.

Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu – Tachi waza practice