Week 6 of our “Wagara Wednesday” series celebrates Earth Day with the Nami-Chidori (#波千鳥) pattern of waves and birds.
‘Chidori’ (#千鳥) is the Japanese term for a plover, and ‘nami’ means wave.
The waves are a symbol of worldly concerns, and the chidori symbolize perseverance as they are known for having an ability to fly through strong winds and high waves during migration.
Therefore, it is said that chidori flying among the waves represents human ability to overcome challenges. Owing to its auspicious meaning, the pattern has come to represent family safety as well as the ability to achieve goals.
The chidori is a common motif used on kimono. While traditionally classed as a winter motif, the pattern is commonly featured on summer items to evoke the coolness of winter.
Moreover, given that the chidori’s cry is perceived as the sound “chiyo,” which can be writtern 千代 in Kanji, the chidori is considered a symbol of long life.
May the Nami-Chidori inspire us to "overcome the rough waves together" and persevere through these difficult times as we look to a future beyond COVID-19.