How to Read “伊達の薄着”
Date no usugi
Meaning of “伊達の薄着”
“Date’s light clothing” means wearing light clothing while prioritizing appearance and style over enduring the cold.
This proverb expresses the spirit of prioritizing the beauty of appearance and stylish attire over practicality and comfort. It’s not simply about wearing light clothing, but contains an aesthetic sense of “how one is perceived by others” and “how stylish an impression one can give.”
It is used in situations such as when seeing someone going out lightly dressed despite the cold season, prioritizing fashion, or when one endures some inconvenience for the sake of fashion. The reason for using this expression is to understand the “longing for beauty” and the desire to “be stylish” behind such behavior, sometimes expressing it with admiration. Even today, it is sometimes used to evaluate the spirit of someone walking through the city in stylish attire without a coat in the middle of winter.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Date’s light clothing” is said to derive from the spirit of Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai domain who was active from the Warring States period to the early Edo period, and his retainers.
The Date family was known for their gorgeous and stylish attire. Date Masamune in particular is said to have loved flashy things and had a high aesthetic sense, wearing magnificent costumes even on the battlefield. The word “Date” itself later came to be used to mean “stylish” and “chic,” largely due to the influence of this Date family.
The “light clothing” part is said to have originated from anecdotes that the samurai of the Date family wore thin kimono, prioritizing appearance and style despite being in the cold northeastern region. The spirit of prioritizing beauty and coolness over practicality was embodied in the expression “Date’s light clothing.”
In the Edo period, this word came to be used not only by samurai but also among townspeople. It became established as a word expressing the high aesthetic sense of maintaining stylish attire even while enduring the cold. It is truly a profound proverb that expresses Japanese aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
The word “Date” coming to mean “stylish” and “chic” was not solely due to Date Masamune’s influence. The word “date” had existed since the Muromachi period, used to mean “flashy attire that catches the eye.” It is highly likely that the “Date” in Date Masamune’s name was taken from this word.
There is a senryu from the Edo period that goes “Date usugi kaze wo hiite mo iki ga yoshi” (Date’s light clothing, even catching a cold, style is good), showing that there was a tendency to value stylish attire over health problems caused by light clothing. This can be said to be the prototype of the modern concept that “fashion requires sacrifice.”
Usage Examples
- That person wears only a thin jacket even in the middle of winter, truly Date’s light clothing
- It’s cold today, but this coat would ruin the overall balance, so let’s go with Date’s light clothing
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Date’s light clothing” has taken on new meaning. With the spread of social media, people’s awareness of “how they are seen” has heightened to an unprecedented degree, and the aesthetic sense shown by this proverb aligns with modern values in some respects.
The sight of people posing in light clothing despite the cold to take “Instagram-worthy” photos on Instagram or TikTok can be said to be the modern version of “Date’s light clothing.” Also, while “layered styles” and “oversized” fashion are trending in the fashion industry, many people prefer minimal and refined styles, and the tendency to prioritize style over functionality remains strong.
However, in modern times, with increased health consciousness, the idea that “ruining one’s health for fashion is putting the cart before the horse” has also spread. With the development of functional materials, clothing that is thin yet warm has been developed, increasing options that eliminate the need for “Date’s light clothing.”
Nevertheless, the psychology of choosing the best attire even while enduring some inconvenience for special dates or important meetings is deeply rooted in modern people. This has come to be understood not merely as vanity, but as an investment in oneself and an expression of respect for others.
When AI Hears This
“Date no usugi” (putting on airs through light clothing) and modern conspicuous consumption share a surprisingly identical psychological structure. The Edo period practice of enduring cold to appear stylishly dressed in thin clothing follows essentially the same behavioral pattern as modern people cutting living expenses to buy luxury brand bags.
According to psychologist Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, humans seek physiological needs first, followed by safety needs, then esteem needs. What’s fascinating about “date no usugi” is how it sacrifices physiological needs (warmth) to prioritize esteem needs (recognition from others). This pattern remains completely unchanged today. When someone earning $2,000 monthly buys a $1,000 bag, they’re sacrificing “safety” in the form of food expenses and savings to gain “recognition from others.”
Even more noteworthy is how both behaviors involve a calculated trade-off of “temporary pain” for “lasting social benefits.” The cold from light clothing lasts only a few hours, but the reputation of being “stylish” endures much longer. The financial strain of an expensive purchase is temporary, but the image of being “successful” continues over time.
In our social media age, this tendency has accelerated even further. Straining household budgets to post photos of expensive restaurants on Instagram represents the modern version of “date no usugi.” Human need for recognition has been reliably passed down through generations, simply changing its forms of expression as times evolve.
Lessons for Today
What “Date’s light clothing” teaches modern people is the importance of sometimes pursuing values that transcend practicality. Precisely because we live in a modern society that emphasizes efficiency and rationality, we must not forget our passion for aesthetic sense and self-expression.
However, what we should learn from this proverb is not simply the virtue of endurance. Rather, it’s the ability to discern “what is truly important to you.” If there is something you want to protect or express even at the cost of sacrifice, that is a value system that should be respected.
In modern times, there is no need to pursue beauty to the point of harming one’s health. With technological advances, options that balance functionality and beauty have increased. What’s important is the courage to express your individuality and the attitude of not neglecting the effort to do so.
The spirit of “Date’s light clothing” can be applied to small choices in your daily life. Stretching yourself a little in important situations, cherishing your aesthetic sense – such mental flexibility should enrich your life.
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