Mizuhiki Decorations

Mizuhiki is made by twisting thinly-cut washi (Japanese traditional hand-made paper) strips to form a string and then hardening this with starch. This makes it not only pliant, but it also has a sturdiness preventing it from breaking easily and allowing it to be tied into various forms.

There are several theories about how mizuhiki originated in Japan, but it is said to have started in the early 7th century, when hemp threads dyed red and white were used to wrap offerings to the Imperial Court of Japan. As mizuhiki gradually started being used in place of threads, it became possible to tie elaborate decorative knots and uniquely evolved thereafter.

In Japan, when couples become engaged, there is a traditional rite called yuino for both families to meet and forge a new bond. The custom here is to exchange betrothal gifts, which embody special sentiments and are beautifully adorned with mizuhiki decorations.
Cranes and turtles that symbolize longevity, pine and bamboo that are vibrantly green even in the winter, and plum blossoms that flower before spring are auspicious motifs in Japan. These mizuhiki decorations which adorn the celebratory occasion are indispensable to betrothal gifts.

Basic mizuhiki knots

Left: The basic mizuhiki knot for a celebration. Awaji-musubi is difficult to unravel once tied.
Middle: Musubi-kiri is used when one wants to convey congratulations more casually.
Right: Yorikaeshi symbolizes the wish for successive good fortune, like a sequence of waves. This is used for celebrations other than marriage.

Ishikawa Prefecture is famous for the traditional mizuhiki decorations. The photo shows celebratory wrapping of a betrothal monetary gift.

Mizuhiki decorations are used as elaborate adornments during celebrations.
Taking betrothal gifts as some examples,let’s look at the congratulatory sentiments expressed with each item.