Japanese New Year Decoration Kadomatsu
Matsu no uchi starting from december 13 th is a period when new year decorations should be out.
Japanese new year decoration kadomatsu. Kadomatsu should be out during the matsu no uchi meaning the new year week. Usually two pines forming a gate are placed on either side of the front door right after christmas until january 7th. After christmas you will see this decoration at the entrances of houses and buildings in japan.
Some drivers especially taxi drivers even put a shimekazari on the front grill of the car to protect themselves from traffic accidents. 1 they are placed after christmas until january 7 or january 15 during the edo period and are considered temporary housing shintai for kami. These bamboo and pine decorations come in various sizes and are found outside shops and businesses across japan.
This tradition seems to date back 950 years and is still practiced today. December 13 th is the shougatsugoto hajime the day to start preparing for welcoming the new year. Kadomatsu 門松 gate pine is a traditional japanese decoration for the new year.
The meaning of each part of the kadomatsu. Kadomatsu is a decoration with three cut pieces of bamboo and pine for the japanese new year s holiday. The shimekazari is a smaller version of this symbol to protect our home or business from evil spirits and receive the new year without negative influences.
Kadomatsu are an integral part of the japanese new year s celebrations. When is the decorating period. The meaning of kadomatsu decorations.