Comprehension
Practice
Read the following passage about traditional weddings in Japan. While reading
closely, find evidence and clues that support your answers to the questions that
follow. Write your responses in complete sentences.
In Japan, traditional weddings are steeped in rich cultural customs and rituals.
One of the most iconic elements of a traditional Japanese wedding is the attire
worn by the bride and groom. The bride typically dons a stunning pure white
kimono known as a ‘shiromuku’, and a voluminous hood, akin to a bridal veil. The
groom wears a formal black kimono called a ‘montsuki’, accessorised with a
wide-legged pant called a ‘hakama’, symbolising the transition into adulthood
and taking on more responsibilities.
Additionally, traditional Japanese weddings consist of various ceremonial rituals
that hold deep symbolic significance. One such ritual is the exchange of ‘san-
san-kudo’. During this ceremony, the bride and groom share three sips of sake
from three different cups, representing the sacred union between themselves
and their families. These rituals serve to honour tradition, foster spiritual
connections, and celebrate the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
1. What is a ‘hakama’, and what does it represent?
Student answer here
2. Based on the description of the bride's attire, what might the colour white
symbolise in Japanese weddings?
Student answer here
3. Why do you think the number three is significant in the ‘san-san-kudo’
ceremony?
Student answer here
4. In what ways do the ceremonial rituals described in the passage reflect the
importance of tradition and family in Japanese culture?
Student answer here
5. The married couple drinks sake to represent their ‘sacred union’. What does
‘sacred’ mean?
Student answer here
SAMPLE ANSWER
Comprehension
Practice
Read the following passage about traditional weddings in Japan. While reading
closely, find evidence and clues that support your answers to the questions that
follow. Write your responses in complete sentences.
In Japan, traditional weddings are steeped in rich cultural customs and rituals.
One of the most iconic elements of a traditional Japanese wedding is the attire
worn by the bride and groom. The bride typically dons a stunning pure white
kimono known as a ‘shiromuku’, and a voluminous hood, akin to a bridal veil. The
groom wears a formal black kimono called a ‘montsuki’, accessorised with a
wide-legged pant called a ‘hakama’, symbolising the transition into adulthood
and taking on more responsibilities.
Additionally, traditional Japanese weddings consist of various ceremonial rituals
that hold deep symbolic significance. One such ritual is the exchange of ‘san-
san-kudo’. During this ceremony, the bride and groom share three sips of sake
from three different cups, representing the sacred union between themselves
and their families. These rituals serve to honour tradition, foster spiritual
connections, and celebrate the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
1. What is a ‘hakama’, and what does it represent?
A ‘hakama’ is a wide-legged pant worn by the groom, which symbolises the
transition into adulthood and taking on further responsibilities.
2. Based on the description of the bride's attire, what might the colour white
symbolise in Japanese weddings?
The colour white in Japanese weddings might symbolise purity, the beginning of
a new life journey, and the bride's hope for a fresh start in her married life.
3. Why do you think the number three is significant in the ‘san-san-kudo’
ceremony?
The number three might represent the new bride and groom, the groom’s family,
and the bride’s family, and how they come together.
4. In what ways do the ceremonial rituals described in the passage reflect the
importance of tradition and family in Japanese culture?
They highlight the importance of family by emphasising coming together as
one, and the emphasis on maintaining rituals honours tradition and their
ancestors.
5. The married couple drinks sake to represent their ‘sacred union’. What does
‘sacred’ mean?
‘Sacred’ means something to be honoured because of its significance. In this
passage, ‘sacred union’ refers to the significant connection between the bride
and groom as they start their married life together.
