Embedded Files
Goshugi (Gift Money)
Goshugi (Gift Money)
In Japan it is very common to give money as a gift. On special occasions, and particularly at weddings, this may be presented in shugi bukuro (Japanese money envelopes). As with many traditional Japanese customs, underlying this simple premise is a profusion of unspoken etiquette.
What are shugi bukuro?
What are shugi bukuro?
Shugi bukuro feature a small inner pocket into which the money is placed before being inserted into a beautifully decorated outer pocket with the kanji “寿” which means celebration for wedding. The sender's name and address are typically written on the inner envelope along with the amount of money that is enclosed. It’s probably a bit misleading to use the word “envelope” for these, as they’re nothing like the run-of-the-mill envelopes that arrive in your mailbox. A proper one is hand folded, never glued, and is closed with a stiff handmade decorative tie called a mizuhiki. Think origami with an over-the-top bow.
This ornate bow is crafted from a special kind of waxed cord. These can be very elaborate and are often made using particular knots and colours to honour different occasions.
The first one is called “Hanamusubi”. This can be untied, so it is used for events that are desired to occur repeatedly, such as a baby’s birth or an admission into a school.
The second one is called “Musubikiri”. This can not be untied, so this style is used for events that are not desired to occur again, such as a wedding or a funeral.
The third one is called “Awajimusubi”. It means that people will have a good relationship forever and it is used both for happy events and sad events.
Shugi bukuro are typically given at weddings, but noshi bukuro (the name for standard money envelopes) may be given on various occasions, some of the most common being New Year, baby showers and birthdays. Each one has its own particular style of envelope, such as otoshidama bukuro for giving money to children on New Year, each with its own specific set of characteristics.
How much money to give?
How much money to give?
How much money you should give depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the occasion, your relationship with the recipient, their social standing and the style of the celebrations.
The number of notes should be odd to symbolise the couple becoming one, and the notes themselves should be clean and crease-free to signify a fresh start. 40,000 and 90,000 yen are big no-nos as the word for four, shi, can be pronounced in the same way as the Japanese word for death, while ku ('nine') means suffering. It is also the custom to avoid numbers starting with even numbers such as 2, 4 and multiples of these, since these numbers relate to the idea of being split (10 and 20 are ok).
Wedding Gifts
Wedding Gifts
Since we have been living together for some time now, we do not need household items that are traditionally associated with wedding gifts in America and Italy. Instead, we’d like to celebrate our shared second culture and use the Japanese custom for wedding presents.
Therefore, if you would like to give a gift to help us celebrate this next phase of our lives, we would be very appreciative of money we can use towards our honeymoon. If you would like to bring something on the day of the wedding, we will have a box where you can place your cards or envelopes. If you would rather give your gift online, our PayPal information is included below.
If you use a different currency than the two listed, please pick the one that works more favorably for your own home currency.
Google Sites
Report abuse