While in the West we have been realizing in recent years the need to abandon single-use packaging in order to fully embrace recycling and more sustainable solutions, in South Korea there is an object that is part of traditional culture and is a perfect example of creative and sustainable reuse. This is Bojagi, a square piece of cloth made from different types of fabric , such as silk and ramie , which can be used for various purposes. The basic idea is simple: to give new life to used fabrics by creating original gift wrapping or a creative way to carry shopping as an alternative to traditional bags.
The history of the Korean object created to carry items
It is a square of fabric, made and sewn in different ways in Korea since ancient times, but which still retains great artistic and aesthetic value today. In the past, these large handkerchiefs, which were worked, sewn, and embroidered, were used by Korean families to wrap wedding gifts. For this reason, since then, popular belief has associated Bojagi with good luck. According to Korean tradition, a piece of fabric sewn with love and care can only bring good luck when given as a gift. There were different types, all with different purposes and uses. While kungbo were handkerchiefs used in the royal palace to wrap objects, norigaebo were used to store pendants worn on women's jackets. This handkerchief is also found in Japanese tradition under the name furoshiki and was traditionally used to carry clothes, bento, and gifts.
How to use Bojagi, the traditional Korean handkerchief
Bojagi is a simple square of fabric that can be used in different ways. Here are some suggestions on how to use your sustainable and recycled fabric handkerchief:
- An original idea for wrapping a gift. Bojagi can be used as gift wrapping paper. Simply choose a piece of fabric large enough to cover the item you want to wrap, place it on top, and then tie the two opposite sides with simple knots. If you choose a fabric in the recipient's favorite color, your gift will be appreciated even before it is unwrapped.
- Use Bojagi as a substitute for shopping bags. How much plastic and paper do we waste every day on useless bags that we rarely reuse? With Bojagi , you can make a real shopping bag by putting all your purchases inside and simply tying it up.
- Bojagi as a belt to carry money and documents. A special bag to always keep with you and customize with patterns and embroidery.
- It can also be used as a decoration for objects in your home: these can be covered with recycled fabrics, just as was done in the Korean tradition. Traditionally, Koreans lived in small houses and preferred to use these large handkerchiefs to wrap things up. replacing furniture, which is often too bulky.
As you have seen, what matters when using Bojagi is to findthe creative inspiration that has been at the heart of its invention since ancient times. To feel oriental in style, you can wear ourJapanese apron , perfect to match your Bojagi.
