"What Exactly Is 'Yuinou'? Let's Learn About This Important Ceremony!"
2015.06.20 published
Formalizing Engagement with "Yuinou"*
Yuinou is a ceremony to formalize engagements* Just as the characters imply, it is a celebration of the two families becoming related and "binding" together, as well as "offering" gifts to each other♡
Proposals and engagements are, in a sense, oral agreements. After the Yuinou, it is at last that the promise of "we will get married" is formally exchanged♡
'Formal Yuinou' involves a mediator who travels between both families to deliver nine items of Yuinou gifts and cash. Although the number of couples opting for this style has decreased recently, it is still sometimes practiced depending on local traditions or family customs!
'Informal Yuinou' is a style where both families gather at either one family's home, a hotel, or a restaurant to exchange Yuinou gifts, and it features a lighter selection of gifts♡
Recently, it has been noted that more than half of Yuinou ceremonies take place at hotels, restaurants, or ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), so I'll explain the flow of 'Informal Yuinou'♡
Since there are regional differences in methods, it is essential to confirm between both families★ Typically, it is held 3 to 6 months before the wedding♡
It is ideal to hold it in the morning on auspicious days such as "Taian" or "Tomobiki," with many aspects to consider*
Characteristics of 'Informal Yuinou'*
The Yuinou begins with both families gathering in the same location♡ Generally, the woman’s side arrives a little earlier and takes their seats, and the man’s side enters later*
Next, the bride bows lightly, and then the bride, her father, and her mother review the contents in order, and as a token of having received the Yuinou, the bride's mother hands an acknowledgment receipt to the groom♡
Once the Yuinou ceremony is over, the gifts are displayed, and everyone takes a commemorative photo♡ Afterwards, the father of the groom takes the lead, proposes a toast, and everyone relaxes to enjoy the meal and conversation♩
It is an old custom for both families to prepare gifts during the Yuinou ceremony. The items prepared by the groom’s side and the bride’s side differ, so check carefully*
Nine essential items for Yuinou! In the Kansai region, the five items typically include a "Suehiro," "Noshi," and so on★ If you are showcasing engagement memorabilia, you might include a ring, watch, or necklace♡
The nine items include an inventory list, a long noshi, a money envelope, a "Katsuotobushi," "Surume" (dried squid), "Konbu" (kelp), "Tomoshi-Hakui" (white hair for longevity), "Suehiro," and "Kainai-Kitaru" as the nine items*
The bride's return gifts officially include Yuinou items and cash (generally half of the Yuinou money)* In informal Yuinou, it is common to gift items such as watches, clothing, computers, or home appliances!
With careful advance preparations and research on each other's sides, let’s promote a wonderful appeal as a woman♡ Make sure the bride checks the flow and necessary items for the 'Yuinou,' so both families can enjoy a happy time together♩