Local Pride: A Special Feature on Traditional Wedding Gifts You Should Know by Region♡

2015.08.31 published

What to Choose for Wedding Favors?

Wedding favors, often given along with sweets after the reception, come in various types and prices, making it hard to decide what to choose ＞＜

What is the Origin of the Wedding Favor Culture?

The culture of wedding favors originated in the Heian period, when horses were presented as souvenirs at banquet venues, leading to the term “wedding favor”＊ Today’s wedding favors typically consist of items like tableware or tea that have a long shelf life♩

If Possible, I'd Like to Gift Traditional Local Favors ♡

The culture of wedding favors varies by region, with many different traditions. Here are some regional traditional wedding favors you should know before getting married ♩

Hokkaido＊Sweet Red Rice

Hokkaido's traditional sweet red rice is not made with regular adzuki beans, but rather with sweetened beans, making it more like a sweet. It also has a meaning related to "new rice," which is quite interesting＊

Toyama Prefecture＊Decorated Kamaboko

Celebrations in Toyama are often marked by kamaboko (fish cake) shaped like auspicious symbols such as Mount Fuji, sea bream, cranes, and turtles♩

The luxurious designs, such as a large sea bream with the character for longevity, may make you hesitate to eat it?!

Ishikawa Prefecture＊Red and White Crane and Turtle Steamed Buns

These steamed buns embody auspicious motifs of red, white, cranes, and turtles, creating an atmosphere of good fortune♡ Eating them seems like the start of a happily ever after lasting a thousand or ten thousand years＊

www.tamachi-baigetsu.co.jp

Saga Prefecture＊①Chiyo Musubi / Marubouro

Chiyo Musubi is a traditional sweet that symbolizes a connection, made with the sugar candy known as "Uheito," introduced from Portugal in the 16th century♡ The little packages and stylish treats are just adorable＊

Saga Prefecture＊②Marubouro

Another famous treat from Saga is Marubouro♩ This rustic and historically rich treat is very popular as a wedding favor paired with Chiyo Musubi♡

Kagawa Prefecture＊Oiri

Oiri originated in the 16th century when the local princess celebrated her marriage with colorful rice crackers made of five-colored rice, which were greatly appreciated♡

Its adorable appearance makes it irresistible to try, regardless of its traditional status♡

Wakayama Prefecture＊Pickled Plums

Wakayama is well-known for its pickled plums＊ The local specialty, Nanko plums from Kishu, is also a traditional wedding favor♩ The pickled plums carry a cute meaning: “Let’s be together until we become wrinkled” ♡

Tokushima Prefecture＊Bride's Confectionery

Known as "Bride's Sweets," this Tokushima specialty consists of sweet rice crackers sprinkled with sugar ♩

Niigata Prefecture＊Pine Leaves

In Niigata Prefecture, there is a tradition of gifting "pine leaves," a towel-like gift, as a memento in addition to wedding favors＊

Various Traditional Wedding Favors by Region

It’s essential to pass down local customs through wedding favors and feel the charm of old Japan ♡

While trendy and popular products would surely be appreciated, it’s also wonderful to choose traditional wedding favors unique to that region that exude a bit of retro flair and a sense of history＊