Temari
/təˈmɑːri/noun
A traditional Japanese handball, often elaborately decorated with colorful thread and embroidery.
Did you know?Temari began as children’s balls made from discarded kimono silk and later became elaborate handmade gifts, especially associated with wishes for friendship, happiness, and a long life.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Japanese
Japanese
手
“Hand; the body part used in making or handling the object.”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
毬（まり）
“Ball, especially a traditional ball used in play.”
Edo Period
Japanese
手毬（てまり）
“A hand-played ball, increasingly made from wrapped textile fibers and decorated thread.”
19th–20th Century
Japanese
temari
“A traditional Japanese embroidered ball and a folk craft associated with decorative stitching.”
Modern English
English
temari
“A Japanese embroidered ball or the craft of making such balls.”
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