One of the captivating aspects of kimonos is their ability to express the seasons through colors and patterns.
Colors
In spring, we often see soft and bright colors; in summer, refreshing and cool shades; in autumn, deep and warm tones; and in winter, vibrant and rich hues. This seasonal expression is a unique enjoyment of living in a country like Japan, which experiences four distinct seasons.
Patterns
However, when it comes to patterns, things can get a bit more complicated. Some patterns may limit when they can be worn.
For instance, flowers depicted realistically are often said to be stylishly worn just before the actual flowers bloom. Once the real flowers begin to blossom, it’s customary to set aside the kimono to let the real blooms take center stage. This can be a point of confusion for beginners in kimono wearing. Conversely, flowers that are not realistic or are illustrated alongside flowers that bloom in other seasons are considered appropriate to wear year-round.
Personally, I try to choose patterns that are less likely to be season-specific.
Snow Patterns In Winter?
Interestingly, while snow patterns are typically associated with winter, they may also be used in summer garments due to their refreshing feel. Hearing stories like this can add to the confusion!
That said, it seems there is a growing debate about these complex and somewhat unclear rules, and I sense that soon we will be able to wear kimonos without overthinking it. After all, kimonos are already a high hurdle to jump, so I hope we can make it easier for ourselves.
Seasonal Obis
Additionally, there are products featuring designs related to events like Halloween and Christmas. Although these items are from Japanese websites, here’s what they look like:
Obi can be quite pricey, so starting with smaller accessories like obi ties or haneri (collar pieces) might be a good way to begin.
Halloween obi ties
Christmas obi ties
New Year’s obi ties
Seasonal accessories
You could even take a piece of fabric you like from a craft store and turn it into a haneri, or attach a decorative metal piece to a cheap chopstick holder to create an obi tie.
The possibilities are endless!
I’ve even heard of people connecting table runners from home improvement stores to wear as obi, and I’m eager to try that myself.
The versatility of kimonos allows for creativity and enjoyment, and I look forward to incorporating various ideas into my kimono lifestyle.
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