kadomatsu

1/1/2014
Kadomatsu(New Year's pine and bamboo decorations)

Kadomatsu are decorations made with assembled pine branches enhanced by stems of bamboo and sprays of plum trees. During the New Year period, a pair of them, one for each side, are placed in front of the house gate. In Japan pine, bamboo, and plum trees are taken as good luck, and pine in particular has been regarded as meaning longevity and valued since ancient times. Originally, kadomatsu were for receiving the year god, but in these days they are mostly considered just as another set of New Year's decorations.