Furoshiki translates to “bath (furo) and spread (shiki)”.The term originally dates back to Nara period in the 8th century. People during these times would go to their local bathhouses to wash, relax and socialize. They would wrap their clothes in the fabric to avoid mistaking with other people’s. Additionally, Furoshiki was also intended to wrap and protect treasures found in Japanese temples, especially during transportation. In 2006, Furoshiki was widely promoted in Japan to increase environmental awareness and reduce the use of plastic. Today, it is commonly used by Japanese school children to carry bento boxes and by gift-givers around the world as a sustainable way to wrap gifts.