A broad sash or belt worn around the waist of a traditional Japanese kimono, often tied in an elaborate knot.
From Japanese 帯 (obi), a word of uncertain origin in Japanese but deeply embedded in traditional dress practices for centuries. The word entered English through contact with Japanese culture in the 1800s.
The obi isn't just decorative—the way it's tied and worn communicates your social status, marital status, and even the occasion in Japanese culture. It's like a visible resume of your place in society!
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