SAN SAN KUDO

The image shown here is from an adaptation of the long-held Japanese wedding sake-sharing tradition called san-san-kudo. In this ritual, each spouse takes ree sips of sake, three times, for a total of nine sips each.

The first set of three sips represents the couple's separate heritages and families from which they hail. The second set of three sips stands for the unfortunate human flaws that, with right action, can be overcome. The third, final, set of three sips signifies the couple’s rising above the three human flaws and the fact that, like the sacred lucky number 9 which cannot be equally divided into two, marriage is a sacred and indissoluble union.

To facilitate this rite, I pour a small amount of sake into the first of the three
stacked cups (alternatively, if needing to pack lightly for an adventure elopement, the couple may surely use and share a single cup).  I hand the cup of sake to one of the partners to drink (in three sips) and then collect the empty cup to fill and repeat so the second partner can take their first three sips.

Next, I set the first cup aside onto the tray or stable surface and pick up and fill the second cup (or simply use the same cup if that's the plan). I then offer the sake to the first partner who'll consume it in this second round of three sips before I collect the cup, refill, and repeat for the second partner to follow suit. 

For the final three sips, we simply use the third cup (or reuse the single cup), so as to complete the ritual with each partner having taken nine sips, in total.

Although traditional sakazuki cups, tray and pot may certainly be used, I believe that it's the love and honorable intention that's wrapped in the spirit of the tradition which makes a ritual so special so I always encourage couples to choose what feels right and important to them.  If they don't mind transporting their sakazuki set to their ceremony site, that's wonderful. If they're not willing to risk chipping, breaking or carrying the extra weight/bulk, I believe that it's fully fine to improvise.

I will always respectfully pour from either sake bottle into one shared sake cup or from traditional pot into traditional cups. I will also stay as true as possible to the origin or carry on with a flexible interpretation of any rite or ritual... whatever feels best for the honored couple and guests... as I fully realize that, for some, it may be vital to remain 100% true to the original guidelines while, for others, it may be far more valuable to lovingly and authentically honor heritage than to have it be closed to any interpretation or bound to an exact way. Whatever method is chosen, I always love when couples include cultural elements into their ceremony to make a memorable and meaningful mark on their special day!

#SanSanKudo  #PerfectForYou #CulturalTraditions #HonoringHeritage #OregonOfficiant #WashingtonOfficiant #WeddingOfficiant #PNWonderland #WeddedWonderland #BetheLove #BeandBeWeddings