Demon Slayer's Clothing Patterns Are Rooted in Japanese History
Demon Slayer is set in historical Japan, the Taisho Era to be exact, somewhere between 1912 and 1926. Western fashion had only just begun to influence style, and many people continued to wear traditional clothes even while others began to switch. Most of the characters in Demon Slayer wear haori or kimono, each with their own distinct pattern.
What you may not have realized is that there are meanings behind the patterns that some main characters are wearing! Many of these patterns are very old, and have historical meanings and context in Japan. The patterns are now so associated with each character that seeing merchandise with just that color and pattern is enough for fans to recognize which character it represents without the character's face even needing to be there. But do you know what those patterns mean in Japanese culture?
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The best place to start is with the main character, Tanjiro Kamado, and his instantly recognizable green and black checkered haori. In Japanese, this checkboard pattern is called «ichimatsu,» after a famous Kabuki performer who made it famous in the 1700s.
Ichimatsu symbolizes prosperity for your family and longevity. It makes sense that Tanjiro wears this pattern, since caring for his sister Nezuko is most important to him — and he willnever forget his family, his driving motivation.
Tanjiro's sister, Nezuko, wears a pink hemp leaf pattern kimono (called «asanoha» in Japanese) and a red and white ichimatsu patterned obi, or belt. Because hemp leaves grow quickly and are durable, they represent growth and health for children.
Considering Nezuko's fate turned into a demon, she needs all the help she can get to hopefully grow up into a
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