How to Use and Choose a Fukusa: Beautiful Gift-Giving Etiquette that Preserves Japanese Tradition

Fukusa is a gift wrapping cloth that has been used in Japan since ancient times, and is an essential item for maintaining proper etiquette in formal occasions.
It is used when giving special gifts at weddings, funerals, Shichi-Go-San, etc.
This time, we will introduce in detail how to use and choose a fukusa.

1. What is a fukusa?

A fukusa is a cloth used to wrap gifts or celebratory envelopes, and is used as a sign of courtesy on formal occasions.
Made from soft fabric, wrapping a gift in it shows respect and courtesy to the recipient.
It is a part of traditional Japanese culture and an item that makes gifts even more special.

2. Types of Fukusa

There are several types of fukusa.
It is important to choose the material, color, and design according to the purpose.

• Pure silk fukusa : Made of silk, it is suitable for formal occasions.
  It is used at weddings and other important ceremonies.
  Silk has a beautiful luster and a luxurious feel, but it can be a little difficult to care for.
• Cotton or polyester fukusa : Suitable for casual occasions and everyday use, they are easy to care for and recommended for beginners.
  Cotton is absorbent, easy to wash, and ideal for everyday use, while polyester is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant.
• For celebrations and funerals : Bright colors (such as red and pink) are used for celebrations, while muted colors such as black, gray, and purple are used for funerals.
  Those with patterns and embroidery are gorgeous and suitable for celebrations, but for funerals, plain, subdued designs are more common.

3. How to use a fukusa

There are etiquette rules for using a fukusa depending on the gift-giving occasion.
Below is the basic usage.

1. Wrapping the gift envelope : Place the gift envelope in the center of the fukusa and fold the edges of the cloth in order to wrap it.
   Generally, fold left → top → bottom → right.
   For celebratory occasions, fold the left end of the fukusa first, then the right end.
2. Etiquette when handing it over to the recipient : Show the recipient the gift envelope along with the fukusa, remove the fukusa with your left hand, and hand over the gift envelope with your right hand.
   At this time, fold the fukusa and hold it in your hand.
   It is considered polite to give the gift envelope directly to the recipient.
3. How to use it at a funeral : At a funeral, it is considered good manners to wrap the gift in the following order: right → bottom → top → left.
   For funerals, muted colors such as black or purple are recommended, and they are highly valued as a polite way of giving gifts at funerals and memorial services.

4. How to choose a fukusa

When choosing a fukusa, it is important to choose one based on the occasion and purpose for which it will be used.

• For celebrations : For celebrations such as weddings, baby showers, and Shichi-Go-San, choose a fukusa in bright colors or with a gorgeous pattern.
  We recommend pink, red, or gold embroidery.
  The ideal material is pure silk, but cotton or polyester are also acceptable.
• For funerals : For funerals and memorial services, it is best to choose simple, subdued colors.
  Black, purple, and navy blue are common colors, and solid colors are suitable for more formal occasions.
• How to choose the material : Pure silk is suitable for formal occasions, while polyester or cotton is suitable for everyday use or as a casual gift.
  For everyday use, polyester is recommended as it is durable and easy to care for.

5. Examples and episodes of using fukusa

Fukusa have been used in a variety of situations.

• Weddings : When giving gifts to the bride and groom at a wedding, a gift envelope wrapped in a fukusa is highly appreciated as a sign of polite etiquette.
• Shichi-Go-San : Shichi-Go-San is a ceremony to celebrate a child's growth, and a gift wrapped in a fukusa is given as a formal gift.
• Entrance ceremony : Even at an entrance ceremony to celebrate a new beginning, a gift wrapped in a fukusa conveys warmth as well as politeness.
• Condolence money : Wrapping the condolence money envelope in a fukusa at funerals and memorial services is an important etiquette that shows courtesy and respect to the recipient.
  At funerals, it is common to wrap condolence envelopes in the following order: right → bottom → top → left.
  When giving a condolence gift, it is considered polite to remove the fukusa and politely present the condolence envelope to the recipient.

6. How to care for your fukusa

To use your fukusa for a long time, it needs to be properly cared for.

• Silk fukusa cannot be washed in water, so it is best to have them dry cleaned.
  Store away from direct sunlight and in a dry place to maintain its texture.
• Cotton or polyester fukusa can be hand washed and ironed.
  However, avoid using bleach as it may cause the color to fade.

7. Fukusa Purchasing Guide

When beginners purchase a fukusa, it is recommended that they focus on the basic design and color.

• If you are choosing a first fukusa , a plain purple one is the most versatile and can be used for both happy and sad occasions.
• When choosing the material , it is best to choose polyester for everyday use or casual occasions, and pure silk for formal occasions.
  It is important to choose a size of fukusa that can securely wrap the gift envelope.

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summary

A fukusa is an important item for observing traditional Japanese gift-giving etiquette.
Knowing the correct usage and selection will help you express even greater respect for the other person.
Please try using a fukusa for weddings, memorial services, and special gift-giving occasions.
You can create a dignified gift while experiencing the beauty of Japanese culture.