Kon is a short form of konrei, which translates as a wedding ritual.

Bridal attire has changed over the times. During the Heian period (794-1185), a bride of the Imperial family wore junihitoe (twelve-layered kimono) and a bride of the aristocrats dressed in kouchigi. During the Muromachi (1338-1573) period, white uchikake (an outer robe) became popular attire among the daughters of the samurai lords. These trends lasted throughout the Edo period (1600-1867). At the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912), not only white uchikake, but also colored uchikake was worn in some cases. In the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912), brides began popularizing a new style called sanmaigasane. Sanmaigasane literally means "three layers," and it refers to the wearing of three different colored kimono with identical designs. . Each was layered one on top of the other. A red kimono was worn first, and a white kimono was layered on top of it. Lastly a black colored kimono was worn atop. This style continued until the Taisho period (1912-1926) along with the traditional uchikake costumes. In the beginning of the Showa period (1926- 1988), kuro furisode (black furisode) became popular bridal attire. Today, brides commonly wear various colors of uchikake and furisode.

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