Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without mountains of wrapping paper covering the floor on 25 December. Or would it?
A rise in interest in crafting (手工艺)，coupled with a greater awareness of the environment under lockdown, has led to an increase in interest in furoshiki—the Japanese art of fabric wrapping this year.
Furoshiki are traditional Japanese cloths used to transport food, clothes or gifts. They are increasingly being accepted by shoppers as an alternative to paper. The cloths are easy to use: gifts are placed in the centre of the fabric, which is then tucked (卷起) around the object and fastened with a knot (结).
Because fabric is so much more malleable (可塑的) than wrapping paper, it can be used to make even the most awkward-shaped gifts look professionally wrapped. The Covid-19 pandemic (大流行病) has brought the environment into a new focus for people, causing people all to make more environmentally conscious decisions around what we buy.
Part of the appeal of fabric wrapping is that it is a present in itself. The receiver can not only enjoy a beautifully wrapped gift but can then reuse the cloth to give a gift of their own.
Some customers use their cloth within family or friendship circles, so that it eventually makes its way back to them. There's a certain magic and tradition in passing it from person to person.
Then there's the rising interest in craft. Fabric wrapping is often handmade. Compared to standard wrapping paper, fabric wrapping offers more chances to experiment with different folding techniques and the way it lends itself to botanical decoration. There is a huge appetite for people wanting to learn new craft skills and perhaps create their own gifts for friends and family.
The practice of using furoshiki became widespread during Japan's Edo period (1603-1868)，when people bundled (捆) their clothes in fabric while visiting public baths. The custom was generally the preserve of older people in Japan, but younger generations are getting on board as a result of the pandemic. They have started to reconsider their ways of life.
