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![]() Sitting straight and sitting cross-legged Seiza (sitting straight) is the proper way to sit on tatami mats and is always practised on formal occasions such as tea ceremonies. Since legs are folded under so that the body rests on the heels, people who are not accustomed to it would probably feel that doing seiza for a long time is painful. However, when doing seiza, the central line of the body from the head down to the spine is perpendicular to the floor, so one can maintain a well-balanced posture. When sitting on tatami mats, it is good for one to sit that way. In contrast to sitting straight, the relaxed way of sitting is agura (sitting cross-legged). Starting with legs out straight and folding them in like triangles is called agura. Men often sit this way, but it is ill-mannered for women to do so. A relaxed sitting posture for women is generally to maintain seiza with knees together but with the feet just off to the side. |
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![]() Wedding Ceremonies Contemporary Japanese weddings consist of a mix of traditional and contemporary aspects and are carried out in a variety of ways. There are formal meetings, during which a go-between introduces the man and woman, and the exchanging of betrothal presents, which are gifts of money and goods that the two families exchange as evidence that an engagement exists. There is also the ritual of exchanging nuptial cups during the marriage ceremony in which the bride and groom, using a set of three sake cups, alternately drink sacred sake. The aforementioned are traditional aspects. Holding the ceremony at a specialized wedding hall in accordance with Shinto, Buddhist or Christian rites and going on honeymoon are comparatively recent practices. ![]() In wedding ceremonies, there are two essential elements: the ritual ceremony and the wedding reception. Large numbers of friends are invited to the wedding reception, which usually takes place in grand style at hotels. |
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![]() Emperor’s Birthday This is a national holiday to celebrate the birth of the Emperor, who is a symbol of Japan and a symbol of the unity of the Japanese people. Since the first year of the Heisei Period (1989), it has occurred on December 23rd, the current Emperor’s birthday. The day is marked by banquets at the Imperial Palace, to which Cabinet ministers are invited, and tea ceremonies to which foreign ambassadors and officials are invited. Many people visit the Imperial Palace, and the Emperor and the Imperial family stand on the balcony of the Imperial Palace to greet those who come to offer congratulations. |
Check out these interesting reads in our archives as well: |
Know Japan 2013 archive |
Know Japan 2012 archive |
Know Japan 2011 archive |
Know Japan 2010 archive |
Know Japan 2009 archive |
Japanese Recipes 2008 archive |
Japanese Customs 2007 archive |
Japanese Customs 2006 archive |
Japanese Festivals 2005 archive |