The meaning of Suehiro, correct usage to keep in mind, and manners to be aware of.
In Japan, a shape that spreads out toward the end is called "suehiro" and is considered to be good luck. For example, the Chinese numeral "8" is an example of the word "suehigawari. Similarly, a fan has long been used as a good-luck talisman, since the shape of a fan spreading out is also a "suehagari" (spreading out). In this issue, we will tell you about "Suehiro (congratulatory fan)," a fan used for celebratory occasions. We will also explain the meaning behind Suehiro, correct usage, and manners for celebrations, so please read on for reference.
Suehiro Meaning and Basics
What kind of accessories does "suehiro" mean? Although it is rarely used in daily life, suehiro is one of the most important accessories for kimono. First, we will explain the meaning behind suehiro, situations in which it is used, basic usage, types of suehiro, and other basic knowledge.
The Meaning of Suehiro
Suehiro" is a type of kimono used for celebratory occasions.folding fanThe name "Suehiro" refers to a "Suehiro" used for festive occasions. The name "Suehiro" isfolding fanThe name "Suehiro" is derived from the shape of the "Suehiro" (the end of a tree), which spreads out toward the future when the "Suehiro" is opened. Suehiro" has an auspicious connotation of gradually opening the way toward a happy future. Suehiro is therefore considered a lucky charm that represents "prosperity," and has been used as a gift or souvenir in addition to celebratory occasions since ancient times. Suehiro is also sometimes called "Shugi Sen" (congratulatory fan).
Occasions when Suehiro is used
Suehiro is mainly used as a kimono accessory when wearing a formal kimono for celebratory occasions. In modern times, it is most often used at weddings.
For example, the black tomesode, the first formal wear for married women, is known as the kimono worn by the mother of the bride and groom at weddings. The shiro-tomesode, an abbreviated formal wear for women, is often worn by the sisters and other relatives of the bride and groom. Suehiro is sometimes used when wearing these black or colored tomesode.
Suehiro may also be used at weddings in conjunction with the men's first formal attire, the kurobane five-piece montsuki (black crested gown). The black montsuki is often worn by the groom, the matchmaker, and the father of the bride and groom. If the wedding attire is kimono, the groom may also carry a suehiro.
Basic Usage of Suehiro
Basically, the suehiro is left inserted in the obi. It is removed from the obi and held in the right hand only when necessary, such as when greeting guests. The suehiro is used to greet people when they are standing or sitting in a formal bow. Holding a suehiro in the hand gives a formal impression appropriate for a festive occasion. For details on how to insert and hold the suehiro, please refer to the following pages.
Types of Suehiro
There are different types of suehiro for women and men.
Women's suehiro generally have black lacquered bones with a gold or silver base paper surface. Some are decorated with gold on the black lacquered part, while others have a white background with gold or silver foil stamped on it. Some of the more casual designs can also be found in the suehiro for women. Suehiro with bones in colors other than black or jikishi in colors other than gold or silver can be used with the visiting gown, which is an abbreviated formal wear.
On the other hand, men's suehiro include "hakusen," a white fan with a white ground paper used for the bamboo frame. Among the white fans, there is also a "morning fan" that can easily be used with a morning coat, which is formal men's formal attire, and can be used with both Japanese and Western-style attire.
(white) fan
Men's Suehiro
Morning Fan
Crane Carving
Morning Fan
Men's Suehiro
Honbekko
women's suits
Hand-painted gold Makie crane and turtle for Kuro-tomesode
Front side: Gold side
Hand-painted gold Makie crane and turtle for Kuro-tomesode
Back side: silver
Correct way to insert and hold Suehiro
When using suehiro at weddings and other celebratory events, it is important to keep in mind the correct way to insert and hold the suehiro. Here we introduce in detail how to use suehiro, a must-have item for celebrations.
Correct way to insert a suehiro
When inserting a suehiro into a woman's kimono,folding fanWith the open side facing up, insert it between the obi and obiage with the paper side facing you. It is best to insert it on the left side of the body, so that the tip of the tailcoat protrudes 2 to 3 cm from the obi. In the case of men's kimono, the suehiro should be inserted between the kimono and the square obi. As with women's kimono, it should be placed on the left side of the body. The key is to insert it so that the base paper can be seen.
Correct way to put Suehiro
The correct way to hold the suehiro
When holding the suehiro, first hold the base of the suehiro with your right hand and place your index finger on the outer bone. It is best to hold it as if you are wrapping it with all four fingers except the index finger. Then, place your left hand under the suehiro and hold it in front of the obi at the level of your navel. When using the suehiro as a greeting, holding it in this manner makes your gesture look beautiful and gives a formal impression. When attending a wedding in kimono, you will have opportunities to hold the suehiro in various greeting situations at the ceremony, so it is a good idea to learn the correct way to hold it.
The correct way to hold the suehiro
Actions to avoid when using the suehiro
We have told you how to use Suehiro, but there are some things to keep in mind when using Suehiro at a festive occasion. The following are the things you should avoid when using Suehiro,folding fanThe act of spreading the "Suehiro" out and fanning it is to be avoided.
In the first place, Suehiro is used for greetings at festive occasions, etc.folding fanTherefore, using a suehiro as a tool to cool off is a breach of etiquette. The use of suehiro has the meaning of showing one's courtesy to the other party during a ceremony. Please be careful not to use it for purposes other than its intended use, as it is a small item to be worn ceremoniously as a part of one's formal attire.
It is also used with yukata (light cotton kimono) to keep cool.folding fanis generally used for "summerfolding fan(natsu zensu). The samefolding fanBut summerfolding fanand suehiro have completely different purposes of use. If you are looking for kimono accessories in preparation for a celebration, you should choose the rightfolding fanPlease choose the one that best suits your purpose.
Let's convey your feelings of congratulations with Suehiro, which is filled with the meaning of congratulations!
Used for celebratory occasionsfolding fanIn this article, we have explained the meaning of the word "suehiro" and its usage. Suehiro" is a lucky charm with a congratulatory meaning because its shape, which spreads out toward the end, reminds us of prosperity. It has been used for celebratory occasions since ancient times, and even today it is an indispensable item for weddings and other festive ceremonies. It is very beautiful to hold a suehiro in one's hand when greeting people in kimono, and it is an item that gives a more formal impression to a formal kimono attire.
Specialty storesIbasenWe carry suehiro (congratulatory fans) for use at festive occasions. You can rent a suehiro along with a formal kimono, but we also recommend that you purchase one and bring it with you.folding fanis an auspicious item that is sometimes chosen as a gift as a memento, and suehiro is one of our most popular products because it is a memory of your loved one's wedding day. If you are looking for a suehiro recommended for formal kimono, please feel free to contact us.IbasenPlease feel free to contact us.
Ibasenis a long-established company with a 400-year history. In addition to Suehiro, Edofolding fanand decorationsfolding fanand many others.folding fanandround fanWe have a wide selection of products, and as a specialty store, we can guide you in choosing the right one for the right occasion. We are particular about materials and handmade by craftsmen.folding fancan be used for a long time. If you are looking for high quality suehiro, please contact us,IbasenPlease visit our convenient online store at