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Japanese Culture
Yukata
Yukata is an informal, unlined kimono made of cotton and worn with a narrow sash (obi). It is usually worn to the bath or in the summertime. Unlike ceremonial kimono, yukata is casual and comfortable to wear. It can be worn next to the skin. Wooden clogs (geta) are usually worn without Japanese socks (tabi) when wearing yukata. Since it is considered very casual, it is not supposed to be worn on formal occasions.
The name "yukata" comes from the word "yu (bath)" and "katabira (under-clothing)". Court Nobles wore linen yukatabira which were draped loosely after taking a bath. It gradually became wore by Japanese warriors and then by the general public. Today many people wear yukata at summer festivals (matsuri), fireworks displays (hanabi-taikai), and the Bon Festival Dance (bon-odori). Also, most Japanese style inns provide yukata as pajamas.
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