The "ho-mo," which was similar to "raifuku" (=ceremonial costume) determined by the Dress Code Act, varied in colors that indicated each court rank.

When the Buddhism, which descended from China, united with old customs of Japan and formed Japanese Buddhism, its style was designed as a suitable wear for the Shintoism events.

For the most formal ceremony, a certain priest wears "ue no hakama" and "shichijo-gesa."

Originally the "sashinuki" and the "gojo-gesa" (five-paneled Buddhist surplice) were worn as a costume one step lighter than "ho-mo" (=ceremonial robe).

In the next time, "ho-mo" in colors other than white were worn.

All of they had no patterns.

The "donjiki no ho" (=ho of donjiki) was set to have a "zoko-eri (=collar of comissioner priest).

The "mo" (=long detached skirt) is in the same color, and the "sekitai" (=literally stone belt) is usually in the same color as the "ho" (=upper garment).

This style of "gojo-gesa" was also designed in the Heian Era and in those days, the costume was referred to as "ko gojo-gesa" (=small gojo-gesa).

Nowadays, the "ko gojo-gesa" of Jodo Shin sect (=the Pure Land sect) of Buddhism has width narrower than the original size of it.