 A sensu is used as an accessory for kimonos. The sensu originated from a round fan called an uchiwa, which was introduced from China over a thousand years ago. The sensu was created by the Japanese who improved the uchiwa. The sensu has ribs covered with Japanese paper. The ribs are generally made of bamboo, but they are also sometimes made of sandalwood, which is a quality aromatic wood. When opened the sensu becomes fan-shaped and when it is closed it is a compact bar. In addition to that this light fan can be carried anywhere, it is also an indispensable prop used for Japanese dancing and for comic storytelling which is called rakugo. A folding fan is also called a suehiro, which means that it widens towards the end and therefore symbolizes good fortune. Folding fans generally have pictures of pine trees, bamboo, Japanese plum (ume) trees, cranes, and tortoises drawn with colors such as gold, silver, red, and white to symbolize good fortune. A folding fan, for this reason, is indispensable and is used on various auspicious occasions. Folding fans are used as props and accessories and are also presented as commemorative gifts. Moreover, folding fans are often drawn as a motif of a decoration such as a painting for auspicious occasions. |
A rounded fan called an uchiwa is a small article that you hold in your hand. The uchiwa is an accessory for the yukata. It was introduced from China over a thousand years ago. Uchiwas are made from paper and bamboo. The bamboo is used for the framework and handle. The framework consists of a round-shaped frame and between 20 and 30 ribs that run lengthwise across the frame. The framework is covered with Japanese paper and has a handle attached to the bottom. You can hold the handle in one hand and fan yourself. The part of the fan made of Japanese paper usually has drawings of summery things such as morning glories or other things that look cool and refreshing. People trying to keep cool have traditionally used round fans in the hot and humid season in Japan.
Katori-senko is made by hardening pyrethrum, which contains a mosquito-repellent ingredient, into a flat spiral coil. It is usually burned on an unglazed porcelain dish in a room. The smoke from the katori-senko drives the mosquitoes away. It is still used by many people because the smoke has been proved to be harmless to people. Lately, however, an electric appliance which emits mosquito-repellent gas using chemicals has come into wide use and this appliance is used much more than the conventional katori-senko.
There are two different ways to sit on tatami mats. One is called seiza in Japanese, and the other is called agura. Seiza is the formal way to sit while agura is the way to sit for informal situations. It is necessarily to sit in the seiza position for formal occasions and ceremonies. Funeral services, tea ceremonies, and flower arranging typically require people to sit in the seiza position. People also sit in the seiza position when they politely greet each other. The first thing you do in order to sit in the seiza position is to keel. Then you sit down on your heels. It is difficult for people who are not accustomed to the seiza position to sit that way. Their feet and legs begin to hurt and go to sleep, and then they cannot stand up. People who are accustomed to that position can keep sitting that way for hours without any discomfort. The seiza position helps you to keep good posture on tatami mats since it requires you to sit straight up. This well-balanced position is also believed to help you concentrate. The trick for sitting in the seiza position is to sit with your big toes slightly crossed and to relax both your elbows and shoulders.