Hello! This is Goencha. Have you ever been confused about the etiquette surrounding Buddhist ceremonies and the color of mizuhiki you should choose for a memorial service? In fact, the color of mizuhiki you should choose may differ between the Kanto and Kansai regions. So, this time, I'll explain the differences between regions, as well as how to choose the right mizuhiki for the type of memorial service, such as the 49th day or the first anniversary. From tying etiquette to the inscription on the condolence envelope, I hope this information will clear up any questions you may have about memorial services and help you prepare with peace of mind.
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Basic knowledge of Mizuhiki for memorial services: colors and knotting etiquette
There are basic rules for choosing the mizuhiki used to wrap offerings and condolence money at memorial services. The color and the way it is tied reflect feelings for the deceased and consideration for the bereaved family. Here, we will introduce the basic etiquette for mizuhiki at memorial services.
What color should you choose for a memorial service?
The color of the mizuhiki used for a memorial service is an important factor to consider when wrapping condolence envelopes and offerings. There are three main colors: black and white, yellow and white, and double silver.
When choosing the color of mizuhiki, it is important to consider local customs and the type of memorial service. There are regional differences, such as the widespread use of yellow-white in the Kansai region.
| Mizuhiki colors | Main uses | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Black and White | General funerals and memorial services in the Kanto region | It is the most widely used color and is used for a wide range of occasions, from wakes and funerals to memorial services. |
| Yellow and white | Memorial services in the Kansai region, and annual memorial services in some areas | This color is especially common in the Kansai region, and is sometimes used for memorial services after the 49th day. |
| Double Silver | When the condolence money is large or the funeral is of a high status | This is a silver-colored mizuhiki that is sometimes chosen to show respect for the deceased. |
How to tie Mizuhiki for memorial services: Musubikiri and Awaji Musubi
There are two main ways to tie mizuhiki for memorial services: "Musubikiri" and "Awaji Musubi." Both of these have the meaning of wishing that the event will only happen once.
| How to tie | Features | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| knot | It is tightly bound and difficult to come undone. | It is filled with the hope that this will never happen again. |
| Awaji knot | It is knotted in an intricate way, and when you pull on both ends it becomes even tighter. | Like the 'musubi-kiri' ritual, it is a prayer that the relationship will never be repeated. It can also mean a wish for a long-lasting relationship. |
At memorial services, both ways of tying are imbued with the wish that "it will never happen again," so they are knotted differently from the "bow knot" used for celebrations. Because the bow knot can be re-tied any number of times, it is used for celebrations and other events that are hoped to happen again.
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Comparing regional differences between Kanto and Kansai in the colors of Mizuhiki used for memorial services
The choice of mizuhiki color for memorial services varies depending on the region. In particular, there are differences in customs between the Kanto and Kansai regions. We will introduce the mizuhiki colors used in each region, along with the background behind them.
The color of Mizuhiki for Buddhist memorial services in the Kanto region
In the Kanto region, the colors of mizuhiki generally chosen for memorial services are "kuroshiro" (black and white) and "sougin" (double silver). These colors are widely used for all funeral ceremonies.
Specifically, black and white mizuhiki are often used at memorial services held during the 49th day after the death of a deceased person, indicating that the period of grief is still deep.
At memorial services after the first anniversary, double silver mizuhiki is often used in addition to black and white mizuhiki. Double silver mizuhiki gives a slightly more subdued impression than black and white, and is said to reflect the idea that grief eases as the years go by.
The color of Mizuhiki used for memorial services in the Kansai region
On the other hand, the Kansai region has a distinctive custom regarding the color of mizuhiki used for memorial services. A major difference is the widespread use of "yellow-white" mizuhiki. While yellow-white mizuhiki is a color not often seen in the Kanto region, it has become established as a common color for funerals in Kansai.
In the Kansai region, yellow and white mizuhiki are often used at memorial services held after the 49th day. Black and white mizuhiki are also used, but there are many areas where yellow and white are the mainstream. In some areas, blue and white mizuhiki is also used.
The choice of mizuhiki color varies depending on the region, so if you are attending a memorial service in the Kansai region, it is a good idea to check the local customs in advance.
The background of the different colors of Mizuhiki used in Buddhist memorial services depending on the region
Why are there such differences in the colors of mizuhiki used for memorial services in the Kanto and Kansai regions? It is thought that the differences in historical culture and customs are behind this.
It is said that the widespread use of yellow and white mizuhiki in the Kansai region is due to the influence of aristocratic culture and differences in Buddhist sects. One theory is that yellow, once considered a noble color, was also adopted into Buddhist ceremonies.
As you can see, even the choice of mizuhiki color reflects Japan's diverse regional cultures. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to ask someone who is knowledgeable about the customs of the area you're attending.
| region | Main colors of Mizuhiki | Buddhist memorial service scenes where it is used | remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanto | Black and White, Double Silver | Black and white until the 49th anniversary, double silver after the first anniversary | It is widely used for funerals in general. |
| Kansai | Yellow-white, blue-white, black-white | Yellow and white are common, blue and white are used in some areas, and black and white are also used. | Yellow and white is a custom unique to the Kansai region |
How to choose the right mizuhiki for the type of memorial service
The color of mizuhiki chosen for memorial services depends on how long it has been since the death of the deceased. To show respect for the deceased and their family, choose the appropriate mizuhiki color according to the type and duration of the memorial service.
The color of Mizuhiki for memorial services up to the 49th day
The period from the death of a deceased person until the 49th day is called "mourning period," during which the soul of the deceased is believed to still remain in this world. For memorial services held during this period, the color of mizuhiki is chosen to express sympathy for the deep grief of the bereaved family.
Generally, black and white or double silver mizuhiki are used. These colors indicate solemn condolences. In some areas, yellow and white mizuhiki is used in parts of Kansai. It is common to write "Goryouzen" (present to the deceased) on the front of the condolence envelope.
The color of Mizuhiki for memorial services after the first anniversary
After the 49th day, the mourning period ends and the soul of the deceased is believed to have become a Buddha. Memorial services such as the first and third anniversaries are held to remember the deceased, but the sadness gradually eases and the significance of offering prayers for the deceased becomes stronger.
The colors of mizuhiki continue to be black and white or double silver . In particular, in the Kansai region, yellow and white mizuhiki is often chosen for memorial services after the end of mourning. Yellow and white mizuhiki also tends to be widely used for memorial services after the first anniversary. It is common to write "Gobutsuzen" (present to the Buddha) on the front of the condolence envelope.
Things to consider when choosing the color of Mizuhiki for a memorial service
When choosing the color of the mizuhiki, it is important to make sure that you include your feelings for the deceased and their family and proceed with the preparations without making any mistakes.
- Check local customs
The color of mizuhiki for memorial services varies greatly depending on the region. In particular, the way colors are chosen can differ between Kanto and Kansai, so it is important to check the local customs in advance. - If you are unsure about which color to choose for
the mizuhiki, the most reliable thing to do is to consult with the bereaved family who are hosting the memorial service or an older relative. You can choose a mizuhiki that suits not only local customs but also each family's way of thinking. - Ask a store expert Department
stores, stationery stores, and other stores that sell condolence envelopes often have staff who are knowledgeable about local etiquette. If you're unsure, ask a specialist for advice. - Pay attention to how you tie the mizuhiki
. Not only is the color important, but the way you tie it is also important. For memorial services, you should choose a knot that cannot be untied once tied, such as the "Musubikiri" or "Awaji Musubi." This is done with the hope that misfortune will not be repeated.
| Types of memorial services | period | Mizuhiki color (general) | Mizuhiki color (regional differences) | Front inscription (general) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial services up to the 49th day | Up to 49 days after the death of the deceased (mourning period) | Black and White, Double Silver | Yellow-white in parts of Kansai | before the spirit |
| Memorial services after the first anniversary | After the 49th day (after the end of mourning) | Black and white, double silver, yellow and white | Yellow-white is common in the Kansai region | before the Buddha |
summary
Mizuhiki used at memorial services expresses the important feelings of remembrance for the deceased. Generally, black and white mizuhiki is used, but in the Kansai region, yellow and white is also chosen. This depends on local customs, so if you are unsure, it is best to follow the local customs. Black and white is especially recommended for the first 49 days, and yellow and white can be considered after the first anniversary, taking local customs into consideration. The knotting method is either the musubikiri or the awaji musubi, with the meaning that it will never happen again. When choosing mizuhiki for memorial services, choose a color that suits the local customs and the time of year, and prepare it with all your heart in memory of the deceased.
