Kimono
- Published 2015.8.3
History of Kimono
Kimono literally translates as a thing to wear. Back in the day, Kimono was worn daily but in the modern age, Kimonos are usually worn on special occasions. Foreigners are always in shock finding out how only a portion of Japanese people wear a Kimono on a daily basis today.
Kimono originated in the Heian period (794-1192) and it has been said that its initial form was introduced from China as an undergarment. People started to wear Kimono during the Muromachi Period (1392-1568) and as Kimonos started to gain prominence, they became more decorative and colorful. The patterns of Kimonos represented class, occupation and age. Thus, people preferred colorful kimonos to portray its luxurious lifestyle, particularly in the case of women. Kimonos for men are usually made in darker shades of color such as black, grey and brown with simple patterns.
Over time, starting in the Meiji Period (1868-1912), Japan was heavily influenced by foreign cultures. Japanese people started to adopt Western clothing habits. Today, Japanese people rarely wear kimonos as Kimonos are reserved for special occasions such as the Coming-of-Age ceremony, tea ceremonies, funerals and weddings. In everyday life, young people tend to wear western clothes such as T-shirts, jeans, dresses and sweatpants.
