What does obi mean? And I'm not talking about Obi-Wan Karaoke,or whatever.?

Question

The details are....well, I want to know the meaning of obi. Isn't it something on a kimono? I just don't know what,though... Also,it's a japanese/chinese word.

Answer 1

The obi is a an extremely long piece of rather stiff fabric, that makes a kind of "belt" or "sash" that goes around the middle of a kimono. It is many yards long and can be tied into intricate or simple knots in the back. These create interesting shapes,
but make it hard to sit down in because you can't lean back in your seat without squashing them.

The word is Japanese. It's very difficult to learn to tie an obi correctly, let alone put on a kimono correctly. There are ties that hold the obi in place and scarves that get tucked into the top of the obi. It is a very elaborate form of "belting". The obi is also wise so that it virtually goes from just under your breast to your waist.

For dressy kimono (kimono is the plural of kimono) the obi are often made of gold thread, woven in beautiful patterns.

I used to wear kimono and it would take me 30 minutes to get dressed (I cheated and had an obi with a bow you just hooked over the fat part that went round you), but it would take 45 minutes to put it all away, as everything has to be folded in a particular way.

Girls take lessons in wearing kimono and/or often have professionals dress them when they wear kimono.

Not many women wear kimono all the time anymore in Japan. Most wear western clothes. Some very high class ladies wear kimono, and some bar hostesses wear kimono. Maiko and Geisha wear kimono, of course. Otherwise it is worn mainly for special occasions, like turning twenty, or being married, and on a few other occasions.

It is one of the most beautiful national costumes when worn correctly and with poise. Makes you have good posture, but also makes it hard to breathe and eat.

An obi can cost anywhere from $100.00 US to $10 or 20 thousand dollars U.S.

Many kimono are hand designed and decorated and can easily be worth $75,000. But there are cheaper kimono for everyday.

I used to live in Japan. Remembering with you about obi and kimono has been nostalgic for me. Thanks for the question.

Answer 2

An obi is the sash on on a japanese kimono. THe big wide belt

Answer 3

I believe the Wookies were very territorial and extremely good fighters.....I see two possiblilities.... 1. Chewbacca, after Yoda went into seclusion and the Jedi were slaughtered, did not know of Obi- Wan and isn't sure how many of the "good" ones still exist...if any (a trust issue) 2. He's not even on his planet defending it any more. He's with a slimy, self-serving pirate....Chewie, too, may have fled and, consequently be too ashamed to be in the same room as a "good" Jedi....or something to that effect, either way, he's in the business of making money...he may not even care about Obi-Wan at all, lol.

Answer 4

OBI is a very wide belt-type piece of fabric, tied in back that holds a Japanese kimono closed, or in place.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimono
shows a few with the kimono

Answer 5

an obi is the long heavy cloth used to hold a kimono in place

Answer 6

"Obi" is a japanese words meaning the belt or sash of the kimono.

Answer 7

An obi is a piece of clothing used by Japanese women. It wraps around their waist and clinches their robes to their body much like a cumerbund.

Answer 8

It is the sash used to tie the kimono. It is Japanese, but I don't know the actual origin of the word.

Answer 9

An obi is sort of like a sash, or belt that ties. I know it's Asian , but not sure of what country.

Answer 10

It's the thing you wrap around the kimono at your waist.