手ぬぐいの使い方 その十 「つつむ」 <10. Wrap a gift>
当時は、ガーゼや包帯などの役割から、現代のタオルや台拭や雑巾やハンカチなどの役割も担い、そのほかには縁起物としての贈答品や配り物としても使われ、本来の汗や水の吸水の目的だけでなく様々な用途の広がりをみせていきました。
ここでは、「手ぬぐいの使い方」として、現代での使い方をイラスト入りでご紹介していきます。
その十は "つつむ" です！
元々、手ぬぐいは贈答品や配り物としても使われてきましたが、別の品物を手ぬぐいでラッピングして差し上げるという使い方もできます。日本酒やワインなどを瓶包みすると格好よく、手ぬぐいはその後も使ってもらえるので、紙包装と違い無駄なゴミもでません。
手ぬぐいで "つつむ" と、貰い手も嬉しさアップ！(^^)
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<10. Wrap a gift>
Although tenugui was originally used as a gift and/or a giveaway item, it can also wrap a gift. A bottle of sake or wine wrapped with tenugui can be a great gift. Because the tenugui is reusable, it is also good for the environment.
