konbu as a betrothal gift
A traditional Japanese betrothal gift (yuino) item; the wordplay on 子生婦 (child-bearing woman) and 幸運夫 (fortunate husband) symbolizes fertility and a happy marriage. Not used for ordinary kelp.
See also: 昆布 (こんぶ)
There is a custom of presenting konbu as a betrothal gift.
Konbu is a lucky charm wishing for children and a happy marriage.
Standard word for edible kelp; does not carry the betrothal gift nuance.
Ateji spelling used specifically for the betrothal gift sense; not used for ordinary kelp.
Alternate ateji spelling for the betrothal gift sense, emphasizing good fortune.
Ateji (当て字) spelling of こんぶ, using characters chosen for their auspicious meanings: 子 (child), 生 (birth), 婦 (woman) and 幸 (happiness), 運 (fortune), 夫 (husband). The reading is identical to 昆布 (kelp).