<p>The belt they are wearing is generally referred to as an "obi."</p>

<p>The belt braided in the style of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimenawa">Shimenawa</a> ropes, sacred Shinto ropes made by twisting together straws. It is hung horizontally to indicate a sacred Shintoism place such as praying hall or torii. </p>

<p>The Wikipedia article (linked above) notes that:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>A variation of the shimenawa is used in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo_wrestling">sumo wrestling</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokozuna_%28sumo%29">yokozuna</a> (grand champions) during their entrance ceremonies to denote their rank. This is because the yokozuna is seen as a living yorishiro (formally <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shintai">shintai</a>), and as such is inhabited by a spirit.</p>
</blockquote>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-22T15:42:56.460Z
Do you know if it signifies anything as it relates to Orochimaru.. why he wears one? I will accept for rank, that makes sense and thanks for the name, but the sumo bit throws it off somewhat.. still curious :)
iKlsR
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-22T15:56:47.733Z
I don't think it's mentions specifically, but I believe it's more for prestige showing readers that they are stronger than average and they shouldn't be crossed easily.
кяαzєя
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-22T15:36:51.703Z
2013-03-22T15:36:51.703Z
кяαzєя
<p>The Sound Four wear a purple-colored type of <em>belt</em> or <em>wrap</em> around their waists:</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/CPHFi.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>

<p>Orochimaru, their master, also wore one:</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/hTWYc.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>

<p>Being some of the few ninja I have seen wearing one, does it have a formal name? What does it signify and does it relate or exist in real world fighting..? <em>It feels almost sumo-ish, I think.</em></p>

<naruto>
What does the 'belt' Orochimaru and the Sound Four wear signify?
# What does the 'belt' Orochimaru and the Sound Four wear signify?
Posted by: username_0 on 2013-03-22
The Sound Four wear a purple-colored type of *belt* or *wrap* around their waists:

![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/CPHFi.jpg)

Orochimaru, their master, also wore one:

![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/hTWYc.jpg)

Being some of the few ninja I have seen wearing one, does it have a formal name? What does it signify and does it relate or exist in real world fighting..? *It feels almost sumo-ish, I think.*
**Tags:** naruto
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## 1 answers
### Answer by username_1 on 2013-03-22. Score: 10 | Accepted answer
The belt they are wearing is generally referred to as an "obi."

The belt braided in the style of [Shimenawa](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimenawa) ropes, sacred Shinto ropes made by twisting together straws. It is hung horizontally to indicate a sacred Shintoism place such as praying hall or torii.

The Wikipedia article (linked above) notes that:

> A variation of the shimenawa is used in [sumo wrestling](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo_wrestling) by [yokozuna](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokozuna_%28sumo%29) (grand champions) during their entrance ceremonies to denote their rank. This is because the yokozuna is seen as a living yorishiro (formally [shintai](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shintai)), and as such is inhabited by a spirit.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2013-03-22): Do you know if it signifies anything as it relates to Orochimaru.. why he wears one? I will accept for rank, that makes sense and thanks for the name, but the sumo bit throws it off somewhat.. still curious :)  
> **username_1** (2013-03-22): I don't think it's mentions specifically, but I believe it's more for prestige showing readers that they are stronger than average and they shouldn't be crossed easily.  
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