Tsunokakushi
A white silk headdress worn by Shinto brides in Japan to cover the hairline.
The tsunokakushi is a traditional Japanese bridal headdress used in Shinto ceremonies. It consists of a rectangular white silk cloth folded to partially cover the hair, typically worn with the bunkin takashimada hairstyle.
- It is a white silk headdress for Shinto brides in Japan.
- The name means hiding horns, symbolizing virtue.
- It covers the hairline when worn with bunkin takashimada.
- Origins link to Edo period Buddhist temple visits.
- Related to the earlier Heian period tsuno boshi style.
What it is
This item is a rectangular piece of fabric, usually white silk, that matches the bride's formal kimono. It is folded and worn to partially cover the hair at the front of the head. The garment sits atop the bunkin takashimada, a traditional hairstyle often created using a wig. The design focuses on concealing the upper hairline rather than covering the entire head.
Where it comes from
The style likely emerged during the Edo period as an accessory for women visiting Buddhist temples. In some sects, female visitors had to cover their hairlines, known as sumi. The term may have originally been sumi kakushi, meaning front-hairline hider. A shift in reading and meaning might have transformed it into tsunokakushi. Earlier Heian period headwear called tsuno boshi also influenced the terminology.
What it means
The name translates to hiding horns. Some sources suggest this refers to suppressing anger or jealousy to present a virtuous image for marriage. This interpretation might be a folk etymology stemming from the linguistic shift mentioned earlier. The primary function remains modesty and adherence to traditional wedding attire protocols within Shinto practices.
How it is made
Brides wear the bunkin takashimada hairstyle, which may involve a wig. The tsunokakushi itself is constructed from a single rectangular piece of white silk. It is folded specifically to drape over the forehead area. This placement ensures the hairline is partially obscured while maintaining the elegance of the overall bridal ensemble.
Versions
The term tsuno boshi refers to a triangular headdress from the Heian period with a peak pointing upward. This earlier style used the word for horn to describe the triangle's point. The modern tsunokakushi differs in shape but shares the naming convention. Both styles relate to covering specific parts of the forehead or hairline.
In culture
The accessory is integral to Shinto wedding ceremonies in Japan. It complements the formal kimono outfit worn by the bride. The practice reflects historical customs regarding female modesty in religious spaces. Its continued use preserves traditional aesthetics in contemporary Japanese nuptial rituals.
Questions people ask about Tsunokakushi
What does the name tsunokakushi mean?
The name combines tsuno for horn and kakushi for hiding. It suggests concealing negative traits like anger to present a virtuous bride. This meaning may stem from a folk etymology related to linguistic shifts in the term.
When was the tsunokakushi first used?
The style arose during the Edo period. It likely originated as headwear for women visiting Buddhist temples where covering the hairline was required. This predates its widespread adoption in Shinto weddings.
How is the tsunokakushi made?
It is crafted from a rectangular piece of white silk. The fabric is folded and positioned to partially cover the bride's hair or wig. The material typically matches the color of the formal kimono outfit.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Tsunokakushi", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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