Introduction - Outline the world with a little effort.
When people hear the word "decorate," many will think of flowers, interior design, or clothing.
However, if you look closely, aren't we decorating something in every aspect of our lives?
For example, rewriting a congratulatory message while imagining the recipient's face. This is also a form of "decorating."
To put it a little hyperbolically, decorating is about making a small mark in the flow of time, and imbuing it with one's own time. I think that this small effort gives a sense of closure and calm to everyday life.
So, where did the word and act of "decorating" come from, and how did it spread?
The Origin of Kanji Characters: Where Did "飾" (Decorative) Come From?
There are various theories regarding the origin of the kanji character "飾" (kazari, to decorate). Generally, it is considered a pictographic character formed by combining "人" (hito, person) and "飤" (an old form of "食," shoku, to eat).
人 (ren): A pictograph representing the figure of a person. 飤 (fu): A pictograph representing food served in a dish.
It is said that these two meanings overlapped, and the term came to represent the act of beautifully arranging food to entertain gods or guests. Eventually, the meaning broadened, and it came to refer to the entire act of "arranging beautifully" or "adornment," not limited to food.
On the other hand, there is a theory that interprets the old character as "a scene of cleaning and arranging cloth." In either case, what they have in common is that the meaning developed from arranging to adorning beautifully. Arranging one's life and preparing something with someone in mind may have originated from the same root.
Understanding the origins of a word allows you to truly appreciate its depth. So, how is "to decorate" (飾る) explained in the dictionary?
The Three Faces in the Dictionary
When you look up the word "to decorate" in a dictionary, you'll mainly find three meanings.
To make things, spaces, or one's appearance beautiful and well-ordered (decorating a room, dressing up).
To refine or embellish language or writing (to adorn words).
To bring a beautiful end to something (to have a glorious ending)
The third usage in particular is an interesting one. It suggests that not only visible things, but even the way something ends can be "decorated." I believe that Japanese is a language that pays attention to the beauty of the conclusion, not just the numerical result.
Having clarified the meaning in this way, the next thing that interests me is what effect the act of "decorating" has on ourselves.
Outside and Inside: Two Effects and the Core of "Choosing"
I think there are two effects of "decorating." One is the external effect of making the appearance or space look beautiful. The other is the internal effect of adjusting one's own feelings.
And what we must not forget is the act of "choosing." Choosing something that suits your current self from among many options. Through this process, your preferences and values become clear, and the outline of your life gradually takes shape.
Isn't the act of "choosing" at the heart of decorating? Should you place tall branches or low flowers by the window? Should the photo frame be horizontal or vertical? Each time you choose, you'll find the balance that suits your current self. Decorating isn't just a task, but also a time to reflect on yourself.
So, are such decorations really only for "people with plenty of time and resources"?
Is "decorating" a luxury?
Sometimes, people say, "Only those who have the means can decorate."
However, looking back at human history, even in harsh times, people carved patterns on utensils, created small markers in their homes, and placed decorations at important milestones. Perhaps decoration was less about luxury and more about an answer to the heart's desire for meaning in life.
Placing wildflowers in a small cup. Pinning a child's drawing to the wall. Leaving a book you're reading on your desk. These things alone can soften the atmosphere and calm your mind. I think decorating is about turning your attention to your daily life and your own heart.
Looking at how the art of decoration has been passed down through life reveals unique Japanese customs.
Japanese Etiquette: Setting the Stage and Showing the Turning Points
In Japan, there is a style of decoration called "setting a focal point," which involves displaying a single, prominent item, such as a tokonoma (alcove), hanging scroll, flower arrangement, or zodiac animal figurine.
New Year's decorations, Hina dolls, and the sacred ropes used in festivals create small boundaries at seasonal turning points, giving rhythm to time. Offerings on Buddhist altars are also decorations that shape prayers and sorrows into visible forms.
Here, "arranging" is linked to "respecting." Decorating is not about showing off, but also a way of quietly re-establishing invisible feelings into daily life.
Having seen these Japanese decorating styles, I'm curious to know how they have manifested themselves overseas.
Etiquette from Abroad: Decorating the Space, Connecting Prayers
European ornamentation extended to architecture, furniture, and utensils, and in churches and palaces, narratives and religious imagery enveloped the entire space.
Geometric patterns in the Islamic world attempted to represent "infinity" through regular repetition, while avoiding realistic images.
Although the forms differ, the roles are similar. They mark milestones, provide order, make the thoughts of the community visible, and regulate the individual's mind. It seems that people have continued to decorate things everywhere.
Looking at it from a cross-cultural perspective like this, I'm also interested in the broad range of meanings of "decorate" in language.
The Expanding Range of Expressions: A Beautiful Ending, To Adorn, To Embellish Words
"To end things beautifully" means to bring a beautiful conclusion to a period of effort. It's an expression that places value on the "way things end," which is difficult to measure with numbers.
"To dress up" not only means to put on one's best clothes, but also includes the spirit of showing respect for important occasions.
The phrase "to embellish words" is sometimes used negatively. However, excessive embellishment and the delicate adjustments made to convey meaning are different things. Creating space, softening the tone, and adjusting rhyme and rhythm—all of these can be seen as expressions of consideration for the other person.
So, how was "decorating" treated as time went on and into the modern era?
The Shifting Landscape of Modernity: Is Decoration Futile or Essential?
In modern times, the idea that "function determines form" became widespread, and there was a time when decoration was considered unnecessary.
However, once functionality is met, people begin to seek a "layer of meaning" once again. Not flashy additions, but arrangements suitable for living—symbols, white space, spacing, order. Decorating may not be the enemy of function, but rather a way to regain a sense of humanity.
Having gone through this history, what kind of impact does ornamentation have on us who live in the modern world?
The Effect on the Mind: Four Perspectives
I think decorating also has a psychological effect.
Confirmation of one's individuality: Each time you choose, place, and arrange things, you can grasp your current sense of self. Visualization of milestones: Seasonal decorations and event arrangements give a sense of rhythm to time. Restoration of a sense of security: Focusing on one point calms the gaze and reduces distractions. Visualization of respect: Attire, packaging, and venue arrangements express consideration for the other person and the occasion.
In our busy daily lives, let's consciously "decorate" things, even just a little. That not only enriches our lives, but also leads to taking care of ourselves.
Considering this, it becomes important to be aware of the difference between "showing" and the modern-specific concept of "showing off."
"Showing" and "Decorating" – Two easily confused concepts.
With the spread of social media, "decorating" tends to lean towards "showing off." Showing off presupposes the gaze of others and is easily drawn to evaluation.
However, I think the core of decorating is ultimately about organizing your own space. There's no need to deny the desire to show off. Just don't get swayed by other people's opinions, and use your own sense of calm as a benchmark, and you shouldn't get lost in decorating.
So, what exactly are the "small decorations" that we can easily incorporate into our daily lives?
Decorations that don't cost money – the smallest unit of meaning.
The decorations are not necessarily proportional to the cost.
I insert a roadside flower into a small bottle, carefully write today's line, place only one writing utensil, and leave a blank space around it. I stand a finished book upright on the desk, with only one book there.
Even the smallest of them are decorations that create meaning. I think that, despite their differences in scale, they are all the same in that they "give a small outline to the world."
Let's also consider ways to keep these small decorations going.
A tip for making it a habit: Turn it into a small ritual.
The more you decorate, the more effective it becomes.
Replace one flower at the beginning of the month. Add a single flower before a visitor arrives. At the end of the day, tidy the desk and turn off the lights.
These small rituals sustain life and create a sense of connection between times.
"To finish with a flourish" may not be a phrase used only for big jobs, but it may also apply to the small etiquette of properly ending the day.
I don't think "decorating" is just about simple ornamentation.
It's a technique for arranging space, calming the mind, giving meaning to events, and restoring order to time. The reason why Japanese uses the word "to decorate" so broadly, from objects to words and even to the ending of a story, may be because this technique is deeply ingrained in the many layers of life.
No special talent or elaborate preparation is required. Just notice, choose, and place it. Hang it up.
Small decorations add depth to the time we spend today.
