Introduction
袴 (はかま) is a traditional Japanese garment that is worn by both men and women on formal occasions. It is a type of hakama (袴) which is a long, skirt-like garment that is worn over a kimono. Tying the hakama can be a bit tricky, but it's important to get it right so that it looks neat and stays in place. In this article, we will talk about how to tie the 紐 (ひも) or cord of the hakama in a proper way.
1. Preparation
Before tying the hakama, you need to make sure that it is properly folded and arranged. Lay it out on a flat surface and make sure that the front and back creases are lined up. Also, make sure that the koshi-ita (腰板) which is a stiff panel that goes at the back of the waistband, is facing up.
2. Tying the Himo
The himo (紐) is the cord that is used to tie the hakama. There are two himo, one on each side of the hakama. Take one of the himo and fold it in half. Then, place the folded himo behind your back so that the loop is around your waist and the two ends are at the front.
3. Crossing the Himo
Take the two ends of the himo and cross them over each other at the front of your waist. Make sure that the right end is on top of the left end.
4. Tying the Knot
Take the right end of the himo and bring it up and over the left end. Then, pull it down through the loop that is around your waist. Tighten the knot by pulling on the two ends of the himo.
5. Tying the Second Knot
Take the left end of the himo and bring it up and over the right end. Then, pull it down through the loop that is around your waist. Tighten the knot by pulling on the two ends of the himo.
6. Adjusting the Himo
Adjust the himo so that they are even and the knots are at the front of your waist. Make sure that the hakama is sitting at the right height and is not too loose or too tight.
7. Tucking in the Himo
Take the ends of the himo and tuck them into the hakama at the front of your waist. Make sure that they are tucked in neatly and do not stick out.
8. Tying the Second Himo
Repeat steps 2-7 for the second himo on the other side of the hakama.
9. Finishing Touches
Adjust the hakama so that it is sitting correctly and looks neat. You may need to adjust the length of the hakama, depending on your height. Make sure that the front and back creases are lined up and the koshi-ita is at the back of the waistband.
10. Conclusion
Tying the himo of the hakama may seem complicated at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Follow these steps carefully, and you will be able to tie your hakama perfectly every time. Remember to take your time and make sure that everything is neat and tidy. With a well-tied hakama, you will look and feel confident at any formal occasion.
