Mizuhiki: The Japanese craft of tying knots

I love Japanese New Year.

It's a time for slowing down and enjoying simple pleasures.

Here's what makes it special:

• Snacking on mikans (oranges) under the kotatsu (low table with a heater and blanket)

• Eating ozoni (mochi soup)

• Waking up early to see the first sunrise of the year (hatsuhinode)

• Chilling at home for multiple days (and not just 1 day holiday in the West)

• Strolling around a temple (hatsumode)

But there's one thing that always catches my eye: the beautiful knotted decorations on money envelopes (otoshidama) given to children. These special knots are called mizuhiki.

Origins of mizuhiki knots

These knots have quite a story, going back to the Asuka period (592-710 CE).

They started as simple hemp and cotton threads used in Shinto ceremonies.

People would offer these threads to the gods as holy gifts. Later, paper replaced the threads, and that's how we got the mizuhiki we see today.

Some historical accounts suggest that mizuhiki came to Japan through China.

The story goes that during the Asuka period, someone from China's Sui dynasty brought gifts tied with red and white strings.

This might be how the whole tradition began.

How are mizuhiki knots made?

These beautiful Japanese decorative knots start with something surprisingly simple: paper. Let me show you how ordinary paper becomes stunning art.

1. Twisting thin strips of washi paper together

Washi is a special paper made from mulberry bark. Artisans cut the paper into tiny strips, about as wide as a paperclip

Then they line up the strips and twist them one way, then the other way, keeping everything tight.

2. Stiffening the twisted paper with a mixture of seaweed glue (funori) and white clay

Paper is too fragile for knots. That’s why they used this mixture.

They soak the cords in this mix and let them dry while stretched out. This makes them water-resistant and bendy — perfect for tying knots.

3. Applying color or decorative elements like silk threads or metallic foil

While red, white, gold, and silver are the classic choices (especially for formal occasions), modern mizuhiki artists aren't afraid to experiment.

Some wrap silk threads around the core, while others play with different dyes to create new looks.

The right mizuhiki knot for the right occasion

While I’ve used the example of the new year, mizuhiki knots are used a lot more than that — for weddings, funerals, or any other special event.

And each event uses different patterns.

• Musubi-kiri (binding knot): Used for various occasions, symbolizing "hope it does not happen again." Often used for weddings and funerals.

• Awaji-musubi (awaji knot): Symbolizes everlasting good fortune, commonly used for New Year's decorations.

• Chou-musubi (butterfly knot): An easily untied knot used for events that can happily reoccur, such as academic ceremonies or career milestones.

For more information about knot types and examples, here’s a good link.

Colors & numbers matter too

Weddings get that classic red and white combo, memorial events usually use black and white. Here are a few more rules:

• Odd numbers of strands are used for celebrations, while even numbers are for commemorations

• Gold and silver combinations signify joyous occasions

• Black and white are used for somber events

I think what makes mizuhiki so fascinating is how much thought goes into every little detail.

Each knot, color, and number carries meaning, making every wrapped gift a bit like a carefully crafted message.