What is a Wagasa?

Wagasa (和傘), literally Japanese umbrellas, are the bamboo and paper parasols you may have seen protecting middle-aged lords and their retinues in Japanese period dramas or being clasped by geisha in ukiyo-e woodblock prints!

What is the purpose of Japanese parasol dance?

The principle function of these dances were to honor and entertain ambassadors from China. There were five different types of dances: Wakashu-odori: “young persons’ dance”

Why are Japanese umbrellas clear?

In particular, transparent vinyl umbrellas are incredibly common, as they’re cheap and easily disposable — perfect for when it suddenly rains, and you don’t have an umbrella on hand. Contrary to some misconceptions, Japanese people don’t particularly love them or use them as a fashionable accessory.

Are Wagasa waterproof?

The Japanese Wagasa umbrellas are made of waterproof heavy-duty paper. This is a unique handmade umbrella that is carefully woven by individual craftsmen who use natural elements like bamboo and Japanese oil-coated paper.

What is Japanese umbrella called?

wagasa
Oil-paper umbrellas are often known in Japanese as wagasa (Japanese: 和傘, “Japanese umbrella”), and these with a bull’s-eye design are called janomegasa (Japanese: 蛇の目傘, “snake-eye umbrella”). The handle and scaffold are often colored black, however, sometimes other colors are applied as well.

Who invented Japanese parasol?

History/origin of the Parasol Dance: It was during the 18th and 19th century that a dance technique called “Higasa Odori” was developed by a man called Tamagusuku Seiju in the Ryukyuan court in Okinawa in Japan.

Where did the parasol dance originate?

The Japanese Parasol dance is an example of a simple Japanese dance that uses an umbrella. The dance is suited for girls making use of shuffling steps that is basic to a typical Japanese. The Parasol dance is from Kabuki. The song played during the dance is called Mikado (a song in 4/4 time).

Why are Japanese scared of rain?

Rather, it’s a culture with a great dislike of being wet. Behind this thinking lies worries over catching colds and poor hygiene, naturally, yet also a sense of value attached to not being seen soaked to the bone, and not wanting to get nice clothes wet.

How much is an umbrella in Japan?

According to the Japan Umbrella Promotion Association, 120 million to 130 million umbrellas are sold in the country annually. More than half are plastic. Just about every convenience store sells plastic umbrellas, with prices ranging from about 400 to 700 yen.

Can you use Wagasa in rain?

To increase the life of the wagasa, dry well in the shade after using in a rainy condition.

Are parasols Chinese or Japanese?

In traditional Chinese and Japanese weddings, the matron of honor would cover the bride with a red oil-paper umbrella upon arrival to ward off evil spirits. Purple umbrellas are a symbol of longevity for elders, while white umbrellas are used in funerals….