My mother, Hiroko, 1940
Me, 1983
My daughter, Violet, 2010
My mom and Violet today
My grandparents, Shizue and Osamu Katakura and their children, 1940
Friday, November 26, 2010
Lily of the Ages: My Mother's Kimono
Last week, my daughter Violet had an opportunity to dress up in a Kimono that has been in my family for over 70 years. Originally sewn in Kyoto, the kimono was made for my mother Hiroko before she was born. Along with other Japanese, my grandparents had settled in Manchuria, China and started a family. When the war started, my grandparents and their 5 children age 2 to 9 were forced into exile and had to leave behind everything. Any possessions that were valuable would have been confiscated, so my grandmother sewed a backpack and hid the kimono inside the lining. It was her hope that her youngest daughter, who was 2, would be able to wear the kimono as her older sisters had. It took 3 years for my family to make it back to Japan, and the kimono has been worn by every girl in our family since. Clothing can carry much sentiment and because of my grandmother's perseverance, this is now an important and happy family tradition.
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4 comments:
Wow Aiko,
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful family tradition! How nice for you to be able to pass on the kimono, and see your Mother and your Daughter sharing a a meaningful moment.
Heading into the holidays, with its bustle and added stresses, it is so nice to be reminded that traditions are one of the important things that keep us connected to our families and our cultures. I feel much more relaxed somehow, and ready to enjoy all the preparations that will enhance a time of sharing with family and friends. Ahhhh.
What a heartwarming and heartening story. Thank you for sharing!
great post Aiko
Wow, Aiko; what an amazing story!
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