"Don't Let Ignorance Be an Excuse! A Comprehensive Guide to the Types, Meanings, and Uses of Mizuhiki Knot Techniques You Might Be Too Embarrassed to Ask Now"

Mizuhiki Seen in Weddings, Funerals, and Seasonal Greetings

You often see《水引 (mizuhiki)》in year-end gifts, mid-year gifts, wedding gifts, baby shower gifts, and during memorial services or funerals.

In recent years, its high design quality has also been appreciated, and it has been used as a motif in various items including hair accessories and decorations other than the traditional packages.

Mizuhiki can be described as a traditional Japanese wrapping method, but the way it is tied and its colors carry different meanings and are suitable for different occasions.

As a working adult, it's essential to know the main types of mizuhiki, their meanings, and their appropriate uses.

What is the purpose of mizuhiki? What is its origin?

Although mizuhiki has a traditional Japanese charm, it is not just a stylish decoration.

Since ancient times, mizuhiki has represented the meaning of "unopened" or served as a talisman against evil spirits.

Additionally, since many types of ties become stronger the more they are pulled, it also signifies "binding people together."

The name mizuhiki is said to have originated from the process of twisting washi (Japanese paper) into a long string and using water-based glue to create it.

There are various theories regarding its origins, including traditions of tying red and white hemp strings for gifts to the imperial court, and that all imported goods from Ming China were tied with red and white rope.

However, it is a long-established decorative item that has always been present in Japanese ceremonial gifts since the Muromachi period.

@miyu.w.d

Each shape and color of mizuhiki has its own meaning, and they are used in different contexts and manners.

It is crucial to remember these details, as selecting a mizuhiki design for gifts or envelopes without understanding can be very rude.

Type of Mizuhiki ① Bow Knot (Chou Musubi)

The most commonly seen design is the〔蝶結び (chou musubi)〕, resembling a ribbon bow.

Bow knots can easily be tied and untied multiple times, so they are used for "celebrations and thanks that can be repeated."

Examples include mid-year gifts, year-end gifts, baby shower gifts, entrance ceremony gifts, and New Year's gifts.

In stores like Loft and Tokyu Hands, envelopes with bow knot mizuhiki are the most commonly available.

While bow knots can be used in various contexts, it is taboo to use them for wedding gifts or celebratory envelopes for weddings, as well as for get-well gifts.

Because they can easily be untied and retied, they symbolize "repeating" an event.

A gift intended to show consideration for someone can inadvertently convey meanings such as divorce or a recurrence of illness due to a single design choice, so caution is necessary.

Type of Mizuhiki ② Knot Cut (Musubi Kiri)

The mizuhiki that looks like an upside-down ribbon is called〔結び切り (musubi kiri)〕.

It is tied in a firm knot that cannot be undone once tied, symbolizing that the bond will not break—hence it is often used for wedding envelopes and celebratory gifts.

As musubi kiri means "do not repeat," it is used in situations of illness, disaster condolences, or for funerals.

For illness and disaster condolences, a red and white musubi kiri is used; for funerals, a black and white musubi kiri is the rule.

(However, it seems that envelopes for condolences are often used without mizuhiki.)

Type of Mizuhiki ③ Awaji Knot (Awaji Musubi)

The〔あわじ結び (awaji musubi)〕 has a more intricate design for the knot part, much like the musubi kiri but more complex.

It shares the same meaning and usage as the musubi kiri, being used in situations where "I do not want it to repeat."

Due to its elegant appearance and meaning of "lasting relationship," it is the most commonly used mizuhiki for wedding gifts.

There is also a theory that musubi kiri is a simpler version of the awaji musubi.

@asu_0423

Due to its more elaborate design, it can also be used in hair accessories or as decorative packaging.

The name awaji musubi is thought to have originated from the knot's shape, which resembles a shellfish called abalone.

@a2018.09.09y

Type of Mizuhiki ④ Plum Knot (Ume Musubi)

Finally, the〔梅結び (ume musubi)〕, which is particularly often used in weddings, features a design resembling the five petals of a plum blossom.

Like awaji musubi and musubi kiri, it cannot easily be untied, carrying the meaning "to bond tightly and not be untied."

@_ht620

The plum flower serves as a symbol of good luck. Umeboshi (pickled plums) are a traditional item for wedding favors and symbols of good fortune.

It is one of the "Three Friends of Winter"—pine, bamboo, and plum—which represents longevity and happiness.

Because of its cute appearance and appropriateness for weddings, many brides enjoy DIY items using ume musubi.

@shococo.wd

Let's Review: Do You Have Perfect Understanding of Mizuhiki's Meaning and Use?

This article introduced mizuhiki's meanings and uses that every working adult should know.

It is not just a decoration but a historical item infused with significant meanings. Mistakes cannot simply be brushed off as "I didn't know," so be sure to check carefully when giving gifts.

➡ To avoid being embarrassed as an adult, here is a comprehensive list of articles on wedding manners.