The hakama

[ShÖgun]

Does anyone know the purpose of the big slits on the side of the hakama is for???

[Gorget-the-Frog]

I've always assumed that it exists to allow more freedom of movement. The hakama was originally worn to to protect the wearers legs while riding. Perhaps it was too difficult to straddle the horse with a full seam?

This article at Bu Jin offers a little more information about the Hakama in general;

http://www.bujindesign.com/newsletter/2000.02.vol1/article.shtml

[Kendoka]

Originally posted by ShÖgun
Does anyone know the purpose of the big slits on the side of the hakama is for???


... mmm, think about this. What if you wore a hakama as your nomal attire?

Consider Japanese toilets, you know, the ones that look like a hole in the ground?

What happens when you wish to have a poo?

Do you disrobe completely and leave your valuable hakama on the ground in the region of a shithole?

No. You just untie the back bit, the big slits allow for the folding out of the way of your nether regions, jam the folded bit up under your knees. Then you squat and ....


Richard

[munenmuso]

Well it's to acommodate every sizes or one size fits all.

Hey I pee through those slits. Imagine if we don't have them.:D

Also, can you imagine how those samurai place their sword once wearing their hakama. It will go inside the hakama and it would be difficult to move with it or do their iaijutsu. Thank heavens we have those slits.

[James R]

I have often thourght a velcro fly on a hakama would be a good idea, makes taking a leak easier.

[David J]

The formal hakama I have (for weddings and such - I dont do suits...) has no divider down the middle ie its a proper skirt. This faciliates very easy peeing.


<rei>

Dave

[ShÖgun]

so all the slits are for is going to the bathroom

[nodachi]

And for wearing the sword when you do things like Iai. The sheath (forget the Japanese word, sayo maybe?) goes through the slit.

[Matthew Lagden]

David,

this is way off post, but...

I have to see you in your formal Hakama - it might be worth getting married just for that. if ever you tie the knot, i am wearing a suit though, so no asking.

[David J]

Originally posted by Matthew Lagden
David,

this is way off post, but...

I have to see you in your formal Hakama - it might be worth getting married just for that. if ever you tie the knot, i am wearing a suit though, so no asking.

Its great! Apparently the last one I went to there were loads of people going "Who the hell is THAT? And why is he dressed like....THAT????". Late in the evening someone sidled (?) up to me and went "ok, I'm pissed enough now - why are you dressed like that? Are you a Daoist or something?"

Great fun :D

ps in the hugely unlikely event I ever did get married I dont think I'd ALLOW suits..... :D

[munenmuso]

Also it makes scratching your, you know, more easier. Left slit for left handers and right slit for right handers.:D

[rottunpunk]

Originally posted by munenmuso

Hey I pee through those slits. Imagine if we don't have them.:D



yeah you have to take them off and put them back on a gain like us poor deprived girls

:p

[munenmuso]

I think those slits also helps for ventilation. Here in the Philippines during summer, it's so damn hot being a tropical country. The heat is always unbearable during months of March & April especially during practice. The slits help in releasing trapped body heat. So other than its aesthetic value their also functional.

On a more serious note, it's really for poo poo and pee pee.:D

[ShÖgun]

Originally posted by munenmuso
On a more serious note, it's really for poo poo and pee pee.:D

lol :p
but it really for poo poo and pee pee?