The Origins of Mizuhiki: A “Prayer” Tying People Together

Mizuhiki traces its origins back to the Asuka period. In the year 607, when Ono no Imoko returned from China as an envoy to the Sui dynasty, the gifts sent back to Japan were tied with red and white hemp cords to pray for safe passage. This moment is considered the beginning of Mizuhiki in Japan. From that point on, it became customary to tie red and white cords around offerings to the imperial court. At the time, these cords were also referred to as Kurenai (deep crimson).

During the Muromachi period, the material evolved from hemp to Washi (Japanese paper). One widely accepted theory is that the name “Mizuhiki” came from the process of twisting thin strips of Washi into cords, coating them with starch glue (Mizunori), and drying them to harden. This technique gave the cords a unique flexibility and firmness, allowing for more intricate and beautiful knot designs.

By the Edo period, gift-giving customs spread beyond the samurai class to merchants and farmers, embedding Mizuhiki deeply into the daily lives of the people. What began as a simple cord transformed into a symbol of respect and sincerity. This desire to give physical form to intangible emotions reflects the Japanese aesthetic of mindful expression.

The Deeper You Get, the More Meaning You’ll Find in Mizuhiki Knots

At the heart of Mizuhiki lies the knot itself. While there are many knot variations, two foundational types are the Musubikiri (tight knot) and the Cho-musubi (bow knot). Each has a distinct meaning and is strictly chosen based on the nature of the occasion. Understanding these forms allows us to better read the sentiment of the gift-giver.

Musubikiri: A Wish for One-Time-Only Events

The Musubikiri is a knot that is tightly bound and difficult to untie once fastened. It is used for events that should occur only once and not be repeated. Weddings are a prime example, as the knot symbolizes the hope that marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. It is also used in contexts like get-well gifts, expressing a wish that illness or injury will not return.

Among the Musubikiri, the standard “true knot” (Mamusubi) is common, while the more elaborate Awaji-musubi is also widely used. This knot becomes tighter when pulled from both ends and thus symbolizes enduring relationships. It is suitable for both celebratory and mourning occasions. Its elegant curves are said to resemble the shape of an Awabi (abalone), considered sacred since ancient times.

Cho-Musubi: Celebrating Joyful Repetition

In contrast, the Cho-musubi, or bow knot, resembles the wings of a butterfly and can easily be untied and retied. This quality makes it appropriate for occasions where happiness is welcomed repeatedly—such as childbirth, school admissions, longevity celebrations, and seasonal gifts like O-chugen and O-seibo.

Also known as Hana-musubi (flower knot), its festive appearance visually conveys the celebratory sentiment. However, using this knot for weddings is considered a faux pas, as its looseness can suggest separation. This careful differentiation is a hallmark of the Japanese cultural sensitivity to unspoken nuances.

Symbolism of Color & Number in Mizuhiki: Elevating the Formality of a Gift

In addition to the knot type, Mizuhiki varies in meaning depending on its color and the number of strands used. Understanding these conventions allows one to express courtesy with sophistication in gift-giving situations.

The Usage of Color

The most common combination for celebrations is red and white—red wards off evil, and white symbolizes purity. For more formal celebrations, gold and silver cords are preferred. In contrast, mourning occasions call for black and white or twin silver cords, symbolizing condolences. In certain regions like Kansai, yellow and white Mizuhiki are used for memorial services, believed to stem from customs of Kyoto’s court nobility. Some say this developed to avoid confusing celebratory red (which can appear nearly black) with black used in mourning.

The Significance of Numbers

Mizuhiki cords are typically used in odd-numbered bundles—three, five, or seven strands—as odd numbers are considered auspicious. Five strands are standard for most occasions, with three strands used for simpler gifts and seven for more formal gestures.

For weddings, ten strands (two bundles of five) are used to symbolize two families uniting and doubling their joy. Traditionally, even-numbered strands (two, four, six, etc.) were used in mourning to suggest that misfortune will not be repeated. However, today it is common to see five or seven strands used in both celebratory and mourning contexts.

Passing Down Tradition & Carrying Mizuhiki into the Future

Today, the city of Iida in Nagano Prefecture produces about 70% of Japan’s Mizuhiki. Blessed with the clear waters of the Tenryu River, Iida has long been a center for Washi production. During the Edo period, it became known for making Motoyui, cords used to tie samurai topknots. After the topknot tradition faded following the Meiji Restoration’s order to cut hair, craftsmen repurposed their skills for Mizuhiki production. To this day, artisans in Iida carefully handcraft each step—from twisting Washi into cords to dyeing and finishing.

Recently, Mizuhiki has transcended its role in gift culture and found new expression in modern life. Thanks to its lightweight nature and vibrant colors, it is now being used in earrings, brooches, chopstick rests, napkin rings, and even decorative objects and artworks. When traditional knotting techniques are combined with contemporary design sensibilities, Mizuhiki transforms into a modern form of “beauty in utility” that fits seamlessly into today’s lifestyle.

Mizuhiki Knots Reflect the Japanese Spirit

From a single twisted paper cord emerges a world of Mizuhiki—a cultural treasure that binds people and hearts. Learning the meaning behind each knot grants us the wisdom to express our care for others with even greater sensitivity and depth.

The next time you offer a gift to someone, take a moment to notice the Mizuhiki wrapped around it. A tightly tied Musubikiri carries a prayer for lasting happiness, while an elegant Cho-musubi conveys a wish for joyful moments to come again and again. This small craft speaks volumes—more than words alone—carrying your heartfelt intentions. Why not learn a few Mizuhiki knots and try tying one yourself when giving a gift to someone special? That single cord may carry your heart more warmly and sincerely than anything else.