結婚祝いにお守りは重要だが、最近は必ずしもそうではない。地域差がありお守りが入っているケースもある。結婚式の準備は新郎新婦が主体だが、親と話し合うべきアイテムもある。贈り物の歴史や選び方も重要で、ゲストに喜ばれるものを心掛ける。お守りは絶対必要ではなく、カタログギフトやモダンなアイテムも選択肢にある。親と子供で話し合いながら、喜ばれる結婚式を準備しよう。
Traditionally, lucky charms have been a significant part of wedding celebrations for many years. However, this is not always the case today. The idea of traditional charms may come across as mundane and predictable, leading to some negative feedback.
While weddings are planned mainly by younger couples these days, it is still essential for parents to discuss the items to be included in the gifts in advance. The presence of charms in these gifts may vary depending on the region. It’s important to consider the differences in regional customs of both families while selecting souvenirs that will be appreciated by guests of all ages.
This article will provide an explanation of charms and wedding gift scenarios.
What are “lucky charms”?
Points to consider when choosing gifts
Are charms really necessary?
Finally
What are “lucky charms”?
Wedding gifts are items that are given to guests by both families on the day of the wedding as a token of appreciation. While customs may vary from region to region, the typical gift consists of:
1: Main gift (item)
2: Brushed candy
3: Charms (which may sometimes become a small gift)
These gifts are typically arranged in three categories.
Among these, “charms” are believed to be items that bring good luck and prosperity.
For example,
– Kelp = Happiness (Joy), brings wealth to future generations.
– Sea bream = Calls good luck.
– Black tea = Longevity
– Udon noodles = A long-lasting marital harmony.
– Red and white rice cakes = Protection against evil spirits
Please choose items that are suitable for a wedding celebration.
Recently, cases of lost charms have been observed. In such instances, guests may wonder if the omission of charms was due to a desire to save money by not creating other luxury items. When considering excluding charms from the gifts, it is crucial to think about the overall balance.
History of Gifts
The origins of gift-giving date back to the Heian period. During that time, celebratory events were marked by the host giving guests horses as gifts. The act of “bringing a horse to the garden = gift” is said to be the foundation of modern gift-giving. Subsequently, the horse itself became a valuable item called “umadai” in that era.
Traditions similar to modern-day wedding customs were said to exist in the early Showa period. Back then, instead of the concept of return gifts at events like today, hosts would present guests with food as souvenirs at the end of the gathering.
Specifically, dishes that could be eaten on the spot like “honzan” and those that could be taken away without using chopsticks like “teishoku” were provided. While gift-giving has transformed into a gesture of gratitude in response to receiving a gift, the original intention was more about presenting souvenirs to guests’ families.
Points to Consider When Choosing Gifts
While there are opinions like “avoid unlucky items” when selecting gifts, these are not necessarily formal manners to follow. Choosing gifts is a way to express genuine gratitude to guests who have taken the time and effort to attend the event. Considering this, adhering to:
– Items that guests will appreciate
– Refraining from bringing bulky items (if the return gift is heavy, consider using a courier service to avoid burdening guests)
If these basic manners are followed, the likelihood of making mistakes is reduced. Here are some additional points to consider when choosing gifts.
The content of gifts may vary depending on the guest list.
In the past, it was common for all guests to receive the same gift. However, in recent years, the trend has shifted towards “share gifts” where gifts are customized based on the status of guests. When gifting items collectively, it is inappropriate if the gifts cannot be easily distinguished from those given to other guests. Therefore, considerations like using uniform paper bags to avoid conspicuous differences in gifts are necessary.
Even if gifts are not shared, there is a possibility of receiving multiple gifts. In such cases, it is advisable to send a thank-you gift later as a token of appreciation.
There may be region-specific charms associated with the location.
Depending on the region, the selection of gifts may be influenced by local customs. For instance, many people carry auspicious items unique to their regions, such as “taiyaki” from Toyama Prefecture or the colorful popular sweets known as “oiri” from Kagawa Prefecture.
When there are region-specific traditions related to gifts, it is essential to ensure that there are no discrepancies between the customs of both families. It is ideal to choose gifts considering not only your family’s customs but also those of the other party.
Are Charms Really Necessary?
Overall, charms are not an absolute requirement in gifts. While charms were once considered indispensable for weddings, many people nowadays opt not to include them. Depending on the region and customs, some gift sets may include three or more souvenirs.
Some guests may not use ingredients like kelp directly in cooking, or they might find the gifts repetitive. Indeed, “catalog gifts” and “utility items” are gradually replacing charms.
While you may want to include “charms,” you may also prefer not to include these items as they are. In such situations, incorporating modern items that guests will find easy to use is ideal. For instance, substituting kelp with stylishly packaged powdered dashi that even young guests can appreciate.
Wedding preparations today are primarily decided by the bride and groom. However, this does not mean that parents are completely uninvolved. Especially in the case of having many elderly guests, some may consider including charms in the gifts as a matter of course. It is recommended to discuss gift-giving for elders with your parents rather than leaving it solely to the children.
Finally
Today, not only charms but various other elements have diversified. As a parent, you may have questions based on the type of wedding your child desires. While weddings are about showcasing a show, it is essential to prioritize delighting the guests above all. By understanding the points to consider when choosing gifts, aim for a wedding that pleases everyone.
Supervised by: Top Wedding
Lyrics & Music: Saori Yoshikawa (Kyoto Media Line)