|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wrap Your Gift in Meaning |
|
|
|
|
Editor's Letter |
|
by Jenifer Morgan |
|
|
|
Let's face it: The best things don't always come in the smallest packages. The best gifts, big or small, are the really thoughtful ones, the ones that carry meaning and personal consideration. Starting on page 10 of the December 2005 issue of Shojo Beat Magazine, we have oodles of holiday gift ideas for you—clothes, CDs, gadgets, and more—tailored to suit the variety of people in your life. You can make your gift even more special by paying careful attention to its presentation.
The Japanese word for gift wrapping is tsutsumi, derived from the word tsutsushimu, which can mean "discreet" or "moderate." In Japan, wrapping a gift rather than offering it openly symbolizes that the gift is special and pure; it also signifies one's respect for the recipient. As a result, Japanese gift wrapping has developed into a sophisticated art form, in which everything from the time of year you give a gift to how you tie the ribbon holds meaning.
Japan has two main gift-giving seasons: year's end, or o-seibo, and early summer, or o-chugen. But no matter when you present a gift, its wrapping and ornamentation usually reflects the season, with bright or light-colored paper in spring and summer, and more subdued, richer tones in fall and winter. The giver must also consider the particular occasion—white (symbolizing purity or sacredness) together with black (death) paper (washi) is standard for funeral gifts, while red (health and vitality) and other bright colors suit happier occasions. Also significant are the dyed paper cords (mizuhiki) used to secure wrapping. Gold and silver cord tied in a flat knot, for example, might decorate a wedding gift. |
|
|
|
|
|
"Wrap Your Gifts In Meaning" by Jenifer Morgan has been edited for shojobeat.com;
the complete article appears in the December 2005 issue of Shojo Beat Magazine. |
|
|
Want more articles like this PLUS six of the most addictive shojo manga from Japan delivered to your doorstep every month—before they hit the newsstands? Click here to subscribe now! |
|
|
|
|
