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Bundle 74: Strangling Sartorial Rules in the Heian Era

Your clothes may feel binding, but as these essays show, nothing compares to the strangling sartorial restrictions of the Heian era (794–1185). The elites changed clothes whenever they pooped! They also wore at least six types of clothing simultaneously, putting them on in a fixed order. For instance, aristocrats had to wear short-sleeved kimonos under other layers. Fortunately, Heian shoe innovations made life better for everyone. The Japanese devised three types of sandals. The nobility began wearing shoes more often, and common people made their own footwear.
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靴
shoes
JOK: 1052
How did Japan come to make shoes from straw and wood? Why is the "leather" radical all but useless in 靴? How can you say "break in shoes," "tie shoelaces," and "wear two hats (actually shoes!)" in Japanese? How can "red shoes" not be shoes, and who in Japan famously wore red shoes? How have Japanese shoes indicated status? Find out all of these answers and much more!
更
again
JOK: 1248
See how the four Joyo yomi of 更 will take you in very different directions. With ふ•ける and ふ•かす, you can stay up late. With さら, you can talk about what's new. By adding hiragana to さら, you produce adverbs, such as one for 'furthermore.' Finally, コウ means 'change' in terms for 'renewal,' 'revision,' and 'rehabilitation.' As a bonus, learn what it means to change clothes in Japan!
束
bundle
JOK: 1535
With 束, you can create order: Establish binding agreements, promises, and appointments. Pull together unions! Using just one verb, either make a ponytail or govern a nation! If you have keys on a keyring, a cluster of raw noodles, or a bouquet, 束 is a vital kanji. See how bundles of cash have inspired fun idioms. Also learn how a wooden post gave rise to a common term for "short-lived."
袖
sleeve
JOK: 2030
An essay chock-full of quizzes explains how sleeves have connections to shady dealings, sexual attraction, and lanterns. See how kimono design relates to marital status. Find out about a cursed kimono and a fish that has fins like kimono sleeves. Learn to say “signboard projecting from a building” and “desk with drawers on one side,” as well as “I'd like a long-sleeved shirt in yellow.”
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