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About Mizuhiki

Have you ever had trouble deciding on a shape for your mizuhiki or had trouble writing a name on it?

"Noshi" and "Mizuhiki" are gift wrapping papers that are used in a variety of occasions.
They are used on special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions, with creative use of ribbons in different tyings and colors.

What is a Noshi anyway? Which one should you choose in this situation?

 

Rather than being stuck to old customs, it's also a bit of trivia on how to convey your feelings well. It makes it easier to choose nice wrapping paper, making it a gift you can be proud of and giving a touch of kindness to the recipient.

I hope that giving gifts and expressing celebratory feelings will be more enjoyable.

About Mizuhiki

There are many different noshi designs to choose from for weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions, but I think many people choose the design of the mizuhiki rather than the noshi itself.
We will introduce the meaning behind Mizuhiki, as well as the Mizuhiki used for celebratory occasions.

 

It is said that there are three meanings to attaching Mizuhiki to a gift.

Thin rope coated with glue, dried and hardened. Used to tie gift wrapping paper. Several pieces are tied together and dyed different colors starting from the center. For celebrations, red and white, gold and silver, or gold and red. For Buddhist ceremonies, black and white, indigo and white, etc. Different knot shapes are used depending on the purpose.

Mizuhiki colors: Red and white (red and white) Used for all auspicious occasions, such as celebrations and get well gifts. Gold and silver Used for "one-time" celebrations, such as weddings and longevity. In some regions, it is also used for general celebrations. Gold and red Used for Shinto talismans and Kadomatsu decorations. Double white Used for all auspicious occasions, such as celebrations and get well gifts. Black and silver/black and silver Often used for condolence money. Condolence envelopes with black and white mizuhiki are a classic and can be used regardless of region. If the amount to be wrapped is between 1,000 and 5,000 yen, there is no problem choosing this color. If the amount is over 10,000 yen, choose real mizuhiki.
Blue and white: Used for Buddhist ceremonies, but rarely seen in recent years. Originally, blue and white mizuhiki was only used in certain regions, but it is said that the custom of using different mizuhiki for each region has decreased. Yellow and white: Generally used when wrapping 10,000 to 50,000 yen in condolence money. It tends to be used mainly in the Kansai region and areas west of the region. In Kyoto, black and white mizuhiki is often not used, and yellow and white mizuhiki is the norm. Double silver: Double silver mizuhiki is used when wrapping 50,000 yen or more in condolence money. Be careful not to match the condolence money envelope with the contents, as this may be considered rude. Only for wedding gifts should red and white be used, except for the "bow knot".

The number of Mizuhiki used for tying also has a meaning. 5 strands: Mizuhiki used for celebrations are basically odd numbers. 5 strands is the general number of Mizuhiki. 7 strands: When you want to celebrate more carefully. Generally, the criterion for choosing between 5 and 7 strands is often determined by the amount of money included. 10 strands: At weddings, it is considered good to have 10 strands, which is the number when the basic number of Mizuhiki, 5 strands, is double-knotted. It is said that marriage represents the ties of two families joining hands to form a bond. Number of Mizuhiki used for funerals. 4 strands: Mizuhiki suitable for funerals is basically "4 strands". The basic number for funerals is an even number. 2 strands: If you want to keep it simple, use 2 strands. 6 strands: If you want to express your feelings, use 6 strands. As for other numbers, 3 strands of Mizuhiki are used for small gifts, etc. 9 strands is an odd number, but it is not used because it is reminiscent of "suffering."

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