| Japanese color name | 雨 |
|---|---|
| reading | ame |
| season | 夏 |
| Color of the table | Purple (murasaki) |
| Back color | blue (ao) |
What is rain? Origin and etymology
The "Rain" color combination in traditional Japanese kimono ensembles, as its name suggests, is a color scheme that depicts the scene of summer rain. By using purple on the outside and blue on the inside, the purple represents hydrangeas whose colors deepen when wet with rain, and the sky filled with rain clouds, while the blue symbolizes the cool colors of falling raindrops and puddles. It reflects a delicate Japanese aesthetic that captures not just a natural phenomenon, but the humid atmosphere brought about by rain and the vibrant appearance of plants.
This combination of colors was likely designed to bring coolness and a sense of atmosphere to the hot and humid summer.
Historical background of rain
The layered color scheme is a refined color culture that developed in the aristocratic society of the Heian period as a way to incorporate a sense of the seasons into clothing. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact date of the creation of the "rain" color scheme, it is easy to imagine that it originated from the aesthetic sensibilities of the Heian aristocracy, who were keen to perceive the changing seasons and reflected them in their attire. The rainy season, in particular, was an important time for people at the time, and it was natural to express its scenery through the colors of their clothing.
It is said that this type of garment was used as formal everyday attire for court ladies during the summer season.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
While the color "rain" itself doesn't appear directly in classical literature very often, Heian period literature features numerous depictions of summer rain and scenes that evoke this color. "The Tale of Genji" and "The Pillow Book" frequently describe the melancholic atmosphere of the early summer rain season and the beauty of rain-soaked plants. Hydrangeas, in particular, whose color changes with the rain, were known as "seven-colored flowers" and were a popular subject for waka poetry.
This literary background can be said to support the emotional depth of the layered colors in the "rain" motif.
Even the hydrangea trees, though unrelated, seem to be showing the color of my tears.
Rainy season and scenery
"Rain" is a summer color combination, and it is considered especially suitable for wearing during the rainy season in the fifth month of the lunar calendar (around June in the modern calendar). The combination of purple on the outside and blue on the inside evokes images of hydrangea flowers glistening with rain, a gloomy rainy sky, and the cool raindrops themselves. This color scheme provides a visually refreshing feeling that dispels the gloominess of a summer day, while also expressing the freshness of nature washed by rain and a quiet, tranquil atmosphere.
This seasonal attire strongly reflects the Japanese sensibility of wanting to become one with nature.
Rainy Day Color Scheme Suggestions
White green (#D6E9D6)
A pale green reminiscent of young leaves wet with rain. When added to a color scheme of cool tones like purple and blue, it enriches the natural scenery and gives a fresh, vibrant impression. Green was also frequently used as a summer color in Heian period attire.
Grayish white (#E6E6E6)
A light gray reminiscent of a sky filled with rain clouds or the spray of raindrops. It enhances the quiet and calm atmosphere of "rain," strengthening the impression of sophistication. Even in modern designs, combining it with achromatic colors results in an elegant and refined look.
Blue gold (#FABE28)
A vibrant yellow reminiscent of sunlight filtering through the rain or the color of damp earth. Adding it as an accent to a color scheme of purple and blue brings brightness and warmth to the overall look, preventing it from becoming monotonous.
Practical Scenes
During the Heian period, this "rain" color scheme was likely enjoyed primarily in the layering of uchiki (a type of kimono) worn by women. Since anticipating the season was considered stylish, it was probably incorporated into clothing from the time the rainy season began to arrive. In modern times, using this color scheme in summer kimonos, yukata, obi sashes, and obi-jime (kimono sash cords) can create a cool and refreshing look that evokes the feeling of the season.
Furthermore, in the fields of interior design and web design, the combination of purple and blue creates an intellectual and calming atmosphere, making it suitable for studies, spaces where one wants to relax, and color schemes for brands that emphasize trustworthiness.