Longevity celebrations mark significant milestones in life. For these celebrations, including Kanreki (60th birthday), Koki (70th birthday), Kiju (77th birthday), and others, special gifts are chosen to express gratitude for a long journey and wishes for continued good health.
At Saihou's online shop, many longevity celebration gifts with specified noshi paper are chosen throughout the year, alongside orders for birthdays and Respect for the Aged Day. This time, we will explain the "theme colors" for each age, auspicious patterns wishing for longevity, and proper noshi etiquette to ensure a successful gift.
1. Why is Edo Kiriko chosen for longevity celebrations?
The main reason Edo Kiriko is cherished for longevity celebrations is the beautiful fusion of "color" and "patterns symbolizing longevity."
Longevity celebrations have designated theme colors for each age, such as "red" for Kanreki and "purple" for Kiju. Edo Kiriko, which captures light and sparkles beautifully, can be presented as a high-quality glass for everyday use in these traditional colors, making it an ideal special commemorative gift.
Furthermore, the delicate patterns meticulously carved by artisans carry wishes for "immortal longevity," "health," and "prosperity," adding a proud touch to daily drinks or tea time.
2. [By Age] Longevity Celebration Theme Colors and Recommended Edo Kiriko
For longevity celebrations, it is customary to choose the color of the vessel based on the theme color for the age. From Saihou's lineup, we introduce appropriate colors and how to choose them for each age.
Red signifies warding off evil and represents a newborn. Vibrant red Edo Kiriko is perfect for celebrating the start of a second life. Rock glasses for fathers and mothers, or pair glasses that couples can use, are also popular choices.
Purple has long been cherished as a noble color. Elegant purple old-fashioned glasses and sake cups are overwhelmingly the most popular choice for milestone celebrations in one's 70s. The deep purple cuts exude exceptional dignity simply by being placed nearby.
Yellow and golden brown symbolize a fruitful autumn and abundance. Cut glass with warm amber or yellow gradients is greatly appreciated as a gift to honor many years of achievements and express heartfelt gratitude.
3. Auspicious "Patterns" Imbued with Wishes for Longevity
Along with the color of the vessel, the cut design or "pattern" is also important.
Recommended Patterns (Chosen by Meaning)
- Kikutsunagi (Chrysanthemum Link) Pattern: The chrysanthemum is a symbol of immortal longevity, and this pattern, with its intricate chain of delicate cuts, is the pinnacle. It is the most fitting pattern for longevity celebrations, conveying the wish, "May you continue to be healthy and live long."
- Hakkaku Kagome (Octagonal Basket Weave) Pattern: This pattern mimics the weave of a bamboo basket. The "hachi" (eight) signifies prosperity, and the mesh pattern, which wards off evil and opens up good fortune, carries auspicious meanings of health, longevity, and family prosperity.
- Yarai (Bamboo Fence) Pattern: A linear cut pattern resembling a bamboo fence. It symbolizes protection and warding off misfortune, and is cherished as a charm to wish for the healthy days of loved ones.
4. Don't Make Mistakes! "Noshi" Etiquette for Longevity Celebrations
Since it's a formal celebration, it's reassuring to check the noshi paper etiquette in advance.
Basic Rules for Noshi Paper
■ Omote-gaki (Upper Part):
- "Shuku Kanreki," "Shuku Koki," "Shuku Kiju," "Shuku Sanju," "Shuku Beiju," etc. (The name of the celebration is written.)
- "Choju Oiwai," "Keiju," and "Oiwai" are also widely used.
■ Mizuhiki Type: Choose a red and white "chomusubi (hana musubi)" or bowknot. This signifies "many happy occasions" and is perfect for auspicious longevity celebrations.
■ Sender (Lower Part): Include the names of children or grandchildren, or an individual's name.
■ Timing of Giving: It is customary to present the gift on the birthday itself or on the day of the celebration banquet (dinner party).
For detailed instructions on writing noshi and etiquette, please refer to our article, '【Official Q&A】2 Edo Kiriko Gifting Etiquette | Correct Way to Write Noshi', or Saihou's Gift and Noshi Information page.
5. Summary: Conveying Gratitude and Wishes for Longevity with Special Sparkle
To those who have walked a long path in life, longevity celebrations convey heartfelt "congratulations" and "may you continue to be well."
Saihou's Edo Kiriko, meticulously crafted one by one by skilled artisans, is delivered in special桐箱 (paulownia wood boxes). Why not present a memorable and special celebration with a lifelong vessel that brightens the heart with every use?
Edo Kiriko Studio Saihou
