New Year's Pigeon-Toed Walk in a Kimono
Fortunately, last New Year my mother-in-law gave me a kimono. After we ate ‘osechi ryori’ or 'festive food' (which is served every New Year in Japan) she helped me put the kimono on. It was not easy to put on because it has many layers and accessories. It's a full-length garment, T-shaped, straight-lined robes that fall to the ankle, with collars and full-length sleeves.
According to what I learned about kimono, on special occasions unmarried women wear kimonos with extremely long sleeves that extend almost to the floor. The robe is wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right. It is only wrapped with the right side over the left when dressing the deceased for burial and secured by a wide belt (obi) tied in the back. Kimonos are generally worn with traditional footwear especially getaTraditional sandals consisting of a wooden base elevated by a pair of blocks. Usually worn with kimono or yukata. or zori(草履 zōri) Traditional sandals made from a variety of different natural and synthetic materials. and tabi(足袋) Traditional split-toed socks for use with sandals. .
The belt was so tight and wide that it pressed my flab. The lower part of the dress was a little bit tight too. Even so, I managed to wear it for 2 hours. We walked down the road to a ‘Jinja’ or Shrine while I was pigeon-toeing. I was often left out by them while walking because I couldn’t walk in my normal way. When we got to the shrine, I had seen only few people wearing a kimono. But I was pleased to wear the traditional clothing of Japan.
Even though I am a Christian, I respect the Buddism beliefs and traditions. I paid respect to the shrines by washing my hands and mouth before entering. Then, in the evening my husband’s nieces arrived and we gave them ‘otoshidama’, money given as a gift at the New Year.
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