Kadomatsu

Kadomatsu are a pair of pine decorations which are placed in front of the gates of a residence from January first to the seventh, the period known as matsunouchi. Kadomatsu consist of three bamboo poles of different length which are cut diagonally. Pine tree branches and sprays of plum trees are fastened to the bamboo poles which a new straw rope. These three plants are considered auspicious, particurarly pine, which is symbol of longevity and it's believed gods descend to it. They are all removed and burned on January 7th.

Shimekazari

People decorate the entrance of their homes with shimekazari during the New Year's season to ward off evil spirits. They are made of shimenawa, sacred Shinto rope of rice straw, used to indicate the sacred area where gods descend. Shimekazari is a special shimenawa decorated with various auspicious objects such as bitter oranges, ferns and lobsters. When the New Year's period is over, shimekazari and other New Year's decorations are taken to shrines and buned.

The New Year

The New Year is one of the most important holidays for the Japanese. Until the end of the Second World War, everyone celebrated becoming one year older on New Year's Day regardless of their real birthday. Most Japanese rest during the first three days of the New Year and many companies and schools are closed for one week or more during this season.

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