I have been tutoring two Japanese teenagers this summer and it's been a lot of fun. The Japanese have a high respect for packaging and presentation. You would never see a Japanese give a gift without it looking beautiful, regardless of what was inside; Gifts of money are no exception. Each week I look forward to getting paid. Of course, it's great to get the money, but I love to see the beautiful creation their mother has created. She uses origami paper and discreetly hides my check inside.
I realize this practice won't win any "sustainabilty" awards but I think the art of wrapping in Japanese society reveals so much about their culture. Open up a bag of cookies - each cookie is nicely wrapped. Taking a lunchbox to school? In Japan, it would be wrapped up in a furoshiki. Giving a gift of money in a formal situation requires the use of a special envelope, called shugibukuro.
Even Japanese homes can be considered a "wrapping". The deeper inside the home you are allowed, the closer you must be to the family.
But, I digress, I just love my little envelopes. Which one do you like best?
