Koromagae.....Changing Clothes

 It's June and I'm cold. This is so strange!

I'm not complaining! The longer it stays cold or cool, the better for me. I know that once the heat and humidity start, I'll be dying!

It's just weird!  I'm used to June being the start of summer, but it still feels like spring!

I remember when I first came to Japan, my husband told me that we have to change over our clothes from winter clothes to summer clothes. I was rather confused by this idea. In England, I was used to having a couple of cardigans or sweaters in my closet in the summer. English summers tend to be rather changeable. 

I soon realized that in Japan, you really don't need any winter clothes in the summer. Maybe a light cardigan if you go somewhere that has the air conditioning on high, Hannah always carries one as the classrooms in her university get very cold!

The changing of clothes to fit the season is called koromogae (衣替え). Which literally means "changing clothes"

This is done at the beginning of summer and winter.

In schools and workplaces, uniforms are changed in June, from the heavy winter uniforms to lighter, more breathable uniforms, and then back again in October.

At home, families clear out the off-season clothes. For me, it's a chance to send the heavy winter futons and coats to the cleaners. 

When the kids were little, I used this time to go through the clothes, check for damage, see if the clothes would be too small by next year, and basically declutter.  

A funny story! One year, I was sorting Hannah's summer clothes and was wondering if a dress would fit her next year. As I was doing this, Mikey came into the room. I looked at him, held the dress in front of him, and said, "Hannah, do you think this will fit you next year?" Mikey rolled his eyes and walked out!!!

This tradition came from the imperial court in the Heian Period, 794-1185. The aristocrats of that time had strict clothing customs; their clothes followed the seasons, and each season had its own rituals.

Samurai warriors in the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Edo Period (1603 -1868) adhered to changing their clothes with the seasons. This idea filtered down to the common people.

In the Meiji Period (1868-1912), uniforms were introduced in schools, government offices, and businesses. June and October were set as the months to change clothes.

There are so many products today to help store clothes, especially in the hot, humid summer. 

Breathable fabric storage boxes to stop moisture buildup. 

Dehumidifiers are essential during the rainy season. 

Moth repellents, very important. I had a student who had bought a very expensive cashmere sweater. She put it away for the summer but didn't put in the moth repellent. When she opened the box in the winter, her beautiful sweater had holes in it!

Every year, there are more new products to help keep clothes fresh in storage!

I was thinking of changing my clothes this week, but I think I'll wait a bit. 

Cats snuggled up together.

This is how I know if it's cold or not! Cats snuggled together means it's cold!!!