There's nothing like an engagement party to get you into the wedding spirit -- and a Japanese betrothal is no different. Similar to a Western engagement party or shower, the Japanese Yui-no is a formal dinner to celebrate the newly engaged couple and the joining of two families. During this get-together, tradition dictates that couples give and receive nine symbolic items in addition to the bride's kimono sash, called an obi, and the groom's skirt, known as a hakama. Check them out.
Naga-Noshi
These abalone shells used to be very costly and are widely used in Japan to express well wishes. They're typically used to make jewelry, buttons, and to embellish musical instruments, such as guitars.
Money
Usually about $5,000 is tucked in a pretty envelope called a shugi-bukuro, which has gold and silver strings that are impossible to unknot. And make sure you don't only put in two bills, since this is considered bad luck.
Katsuo-Bushi
Okay, so dried tuna might not seem like the most romantic gift, but this fish is a highly valued preserved food ingredient used to make soup stock. It's also one of the primary ingredients in typical Japanese cooking.
Surume
Dried cuttlefish, called surume, is given to the couple to wish them a lasting marriage.
Konbu
When offered as a gift, this seaweed, used in Japanese cuisine, is said to bring the newly engaged couple many happy and healthy children.
Shiraga
The Japanese term for hemp, Shiraga, means white hair. Because of hemp's strength, this gift symbolizes the newlyweds' hardy family ties and wishes them a long future together.
Suehiro
A Suehiro, or a folded fan that opens, is given to the couple as a wish for happiness and a better future.
Yanagi-Daru
Think of it as a booze budget. Originally the Yanagi-daru was a wine cask, but in modern times it is generally money that is given to purchase sake wine.
Sake Casks
Sake casks exchanged at the Yui-no are made from yui-no, or willow trees with tender leaves, which is different from the usual sake casks. The casks symbolize gentleness and obedience in marriage.