LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

Little known facts . . . some of which I didn't make up.

The obi is a sash and part of traditional Japanese dress wear.  An obi  is worn with a kimono by women and with a uniform during martial arts by men.   The woman's obi is made of bleached cloth about 10" wide and several feet long.  It is wrapped repeatedly around the belly.  (I knew all that)

Here's what I didn't know:  an obi is thought to be important for use by women during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, women wrap them looser at the top and tighter at the bottom.  This lifts the belly and takes weight off of the back to relieve pain.  Also, it is thought to prevent stress marks.  Post natal, the obi is wrapped tightly around the belly from top to bottom to aid in healing.  The Japanese figured this out hundreds of years ago.

*o*