What kind of gifts do the guest receive at a traditional Japanese wedding reception?
Posted by: robbie1975c / Category: Uncategorized
Question by M: What kind of gifts do the guest receive at a traditional Japanese wedding reception?
I’m writing a story and I’ve done some research into a traditional Japanese wedding. I found that the bride and groom will give gifts to the guest as a sign of their family’s wealth. I tried looking for what type of things they would give but I can’t find any details about what the guest would receive.
I know the newlyweds receive money as a gift. I’m curious about the guest’s gift. I heard that sometimes the guest would receive a catalog to choose their own gift? What is a traditional gift to give to the guests?
If I could get examples of a low end to a higher end gift. I would very much appreciate it.
Thank you for your help.
Best answer:
Answer by pepperachu
money in a discrete envelop
nothing colorful
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Tags: gifts, guest, High End Gift Catalogs, Japanese, kind, receive, reception, Traditional, wedding
June 10th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Money in an envelope designed for the occasion.
June 10th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
Just like certain elements of my Italian-American ancestors (ahem), money in an envelope.
June 10th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Have been to quite a few weddings in Japan and some years ago (10-30 years), it was quite common to receive a set of dishes- a large plate and matching smaller ones. Often these had the bride and groom’s names on the back in gold calligraphy. I still have several sets of these dishes. More recently each guest(s) receive a catalog with many items that they can chose one of, send a prepaid postcard to the catalog company, and then receive by mail. The amount allowed for the return gift is determined by how much you give the couple-so there are different catalogs for various levels of money gifts.
How much you give to the couple is really determined by several factors; how closely you are related, your income level, and interestingly enough, minus your expenses for traveling to the ceremony! I don’t think impressing the guests with your family’s wealth is as important as giving back the correct amount of return gift; otherwise you will violate social manners and etiquette and then be thought of as greedy and uncouth. The most important thing to remember is accepting a large cash gift at your wedding ties you to the giver and you will someday be expected to be just as generous when their relative is married.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Guests bring money in envelopes.
Gifts guests receive are called “Hikidemono” (things to pull).
According to Wiki, around 800-1100 C.E.(A.D) (in Heian era) , a horse was a gift for a guest.
The guest pulled the horse and the gifts were called Hikidemono.
But probably around 50-100years ago, the gifts would be big grilled red sea bream and Sake wine.
Because, precious sea food and Sake are important for Shinto rituals.
These are suitable for feast in Shinto rituals.
Yokozuna with sea breams.
http://www.asahi.com/sports/update/0925/TKY201009250230.html
And probably around 40 years ago, after WW2, sugar was valuable and “sea-bream-shaped sugar” around 1-2kg was popular (as a low end) and heavy gifts like dishes were popular.
=>sugar http://item.rakuten.co.jp/aikuru/699502/
Gorgeous and splendid and heavy are important factors for the gifts.
Rich families may have prepared crystal glass vase or silver pot or like that.
But such bulky things are just a nuisance and catalogue to choose are popular these days.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
They do not give gifts, it is usually money, like around $ 300 american dollars per person.
June 10th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
They usually give money now. It’s called ご祝儀 goshugi. Usually, 30,000 yen or so.
And I don’t think many people would give a gift in addition to goshugi.