You want your wedding to be unique, so you’re exploring ways to incorporate a cultural tradition with deep significance. If you’re of Japanese heritage, one ritual to consider is the kagami biraki.
This ceremonial act symbolizes prosperity, good fortune and hope for a harmonious life together. Learn more about this historic rite and how to integrate it into your big day.
What Is Kagami Biraki?
Kagami biraki — meaning “mirror opening” — is a Japanese custom of opening a sake cast. This ceremony is held on many occasions to signal new beginnings, break barriers and celebrate significant life transitions.
A regular ceremony involves the sake barrel opening, a wooden mallet or ladle called “hishaku,” and masu cups. The act of opening the barrel symbolizes prosperity, good fortune and happiness.
he History of Kagami Biraki
The kagami biraki started as a practice in martial arts schools to mark the start of the samurai journey. Over time, it evolved into a broader cultural rite. Today, this time-honored tradition is a crucial part of many occasions, each of which carries a unique cultural significance.
Wedding
This tradition is common among Japanese weddings to mark the start of a new journey. The bride and groom break the barrel open to represent the breaking of barriers and welcoming blessings to their lives. Guests participate in this momentous occasion and toast the couple’s prosperous life.
New Year
During the new year, this tradition is called kagami mochi. People stack up two large round rice cakes where the spirit of Toshigami sama, the harvest deity, is believed to reside. Rice cakes are a must-have during this season. Some people create large-scale mochi-tsuki — or rice-pounding used to make rice cakes — ahead of time.
After January 7, the rice cakes are divided into small pieces for the whole family to eat to gain the strength they’ll need for the year ahead.
Other Milestones
You can also have a kagami biraki ceremony during housewarmings, the opening of new businesses and other celebrations. Breaking the barrel means welcoming unity, shared purpose and prosperity. In the corporate world, it means smashing the hierarchical boundaries that usually define the workplace.
How to Incorporate It Into Your Wedding
Do you want to bring this historic custom to your big day? Follow the tips for a successful kagami biraki ceremony.
1. Discuss With Your Wedding Planner
Communicate your vision to your wedding planner so they can plan everything accordingly. Their responsibilities include meeting your expectations, developing a realistic budget and helping you connect with wedding vendors. Choose to work with someone who has previously handled an event with a kagami biraki ceremony so they know what to expect.
Ensure you do your research. The ideal wedding planner should be willing to learn and understand the custom with you.
2. Get a Trusted Sake Supplier
Connect with a sake company that can provide everything you’ll need for the ceremony. Aside from the traditional sake cast, you’ll need a wooden mallet or happier, wooden or ceramic cups, and a good-tasting sake that all guests will appreciate.
3. Hire a Host
You can hire a Japanese host to lead your kagami biraki ceremony. This usually happens at the beginning of the reception to mark the start of a joyous celebration and journey. Choose someone who can share insight and etiquette observed during this ritual so your guests can better appreciate it.
4. Do Kagami Biraki Ceremony During Reception
The ceremony begins when you and your spouse strike the barrel lid with a wooden hammer. Hold the ceremonial items with care and execute the ceremony with grace. After breaking the lid, you and your partner must pour sake onto the cups, which will be distributed to your guests.
When toasting, holding the cup with both hands is customary to show gratitude and respect. The host must invite everyone to raise their glasses and shout “Kampai!” to celebrate you and your partner’s unique union.
5. Consider Infusing Other Japanese Elements
Consider adding the following traditions if you’re going all-out on a Japanese-style wedding:
Bouquet Presentation
Before the reception concludes, the bride and groom present their parents with a bouquet called hanataba, and then the bride delivers a heartfelt letter to her parents. It’s the couple’s way of honoring their parents and showing gratitude for their support. The bride will read a letter to her parents, which is usually one of the most emotional parts of the event.
Hikidemono
Hikidemono is a gift from the couple to their guests to show gratitude and hospitality. Attendees can choose items from a catalog, including a spa or afternoon tea experience. You may also prepare small gifts like sweets or scented candles to give out before leaving the venue.
Opt for a more personalized gift like a bath set or makeup kit for your bridesmaids. For groomsmen, a matching gift set makes an excellent present— a bottle of their favorite spirit or grooming essentials are well-loved by men.
Colored Dress
Japanese brides usually change from a white gown to a colored dress during the reception. Elevate your look with a colorful kimono and a statement headpiece.
Welcome a Harmonious Married Life
What better way to celebrate the start of your new journey than with this special Japanese tradition? The kagami biraki is a captivating ritual that will bring symbolism and beauty to your reception. Incorporate it into your wedding to make your big day more memorable.
Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.
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