Japanese culture is replete with symbolic meanings, and wedding kimono are no exception. The colour combination of red and white is considered lucky, and many uchikake include white birds on a red background or have a red lining in a white garment. In Japan many birds have auspicious associations, and it is very common to see wedding kimono decorated with cranes (symbolising long life), phoenix (wisdom and immortality), peacocks (good fortune), or mandarin ducks (marital fidelity and love). Flowers are used to denote seasons as well as having symbolic associations.
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