Rei is one of the bows.
In this part, I’d like to tell you the origin of the bow in Japan.
The “bow (Ojigi)” first appeared around 800 AD.
It is said that the word “Jigi”, which means that the time is appropriate, is the etymology.
In era changing after that, people define bow as consideration to others = Rei-Setsu, it was created to Ogasawara style.
In originally, there are the manner people in high class, “Samurai”, they created a re-new style which suits their class or culture.
It was not for common people.
As time went on, common people were also conscious of the manner, they started learning.
Around 1860, the word “Ojigi (Japanese bowing style)” was firm, it became the origin of the bow of today.
Looking in chronological order, there is a history of 1200 years since the beginning of the word “Jigi” to “Ojigi” put in staying with the style in people’s daily life.
There are three style of bow in Japan, and we use them with changing in each situation.
