Sit down right Seiza in context of Japanese tatami culture
2016.06.25
Have you ever heard of the word “Seiza”?
It means literally “to sit down right”.
It means to sit with one’s knees together and folded.
This is Japanese unique way to sit developed by its tradition to sit directly on tatami without shoes.
Recently, as Japan becomes more westernized, more and more young generation don’t do Seiza since we relax more often on the chair.
However, in ceremonies such as funeral and Buddhism memorial, it is still regarded as social etiquette to sit on Seiza.
Though sitting on Seiza for a long time gives pins and needles in feet and is not good for knees, it is also true that it makes one’s back straight and is gentle to lower back.
Please challenge the Japanese way of righteous sitting on tatami.
