~Japanese New Year decorations~
New Year's is a very important time in Japan, where it is believed that the god of the year will visit homes and bring happiness and prosperity. During this period, families prepare to welcome the New Year's God by purifying their homes and decorating the altar and entrance with lucky charms such as Kadomatsu and Shimekazari. Also, on New Year's Day, families gather together to celebrate the new year by enjoying special osechi ryori and ozoni dishes.
In traditional Japanese beliefs, Toshigami is believed to visit during the New Year (New Year's Day). Specifically, it is said to visit between New Year's Day (January 1st) and New Year's Day (January 1st to January 3rd).
This time of year, when the god of the year is said to visit, is also the time when many traditional Japanese events and customs are held. It is an important time for families to come together, celebrate the start of a new year, and pray for peace and prosperity in the home.
Typical things that are said to be necessary to welcome the New Year's God include Kadomatsu, Shimekazari, and offerings to the Shinto altar.
◾️Kadomatsu
Kadomatsu is considered to be an invitation to welcome the New Year. Houses with this decoration hung on the front door or gate indicate that they are welcoming the god of the year and wishing for the happiness and prosperity of their families. Therefore, it is believed that Toshigami visits homes where Kadomatsu is placed. Tenmon pine is usually made by combining bamboo and pine branches.
Bamboo is one of the main elements of Kadomatsu, and long bamboos are usually used. Bamboo is flexible and easy to bend, so it is suitable for making the shape of a kadomatsu. Leave a leafy area at the top of the bamboo. Bamboo has been considered to bring good luck since ancient times. This is because bamboo is an evergreen tree that continues to flourish, symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and unchanging happiness. The bamboo used for Kadomatsu has such auspicious meaning. There are two types of bamboo tips: ``sogi'', which are cut diagonally, and ``zundo'', which are cut horizontally at the joints. Originally, it was a sundō, but it is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu, who lost to Takeda Shingen at the Battle of Mikatagahara, first cut off the bamboo head diagonally as a warning.
It seems that samurai favored the traditional sundo, and merchants preferred the flashy sogi, which was developed from there. In modern times, ``sogi'' has become the majority.
Pine branches are used to decorate the top of the Kadomatsu. In Japan, pine is considered a symbol of longevity, and because it remains green even in winter, it is often used for kadomatsu. Pine branches are usually attached to the top of the bamboo to balance the entire Kadomatsu. Plum blossoms, which bloom in early spring, are also sometimes used. As they are the first to bloom in the cold, they symbolize hope, new beginnings, growth, and the power to overcome difficulties. Plum blossoms represent dignity and purity due to their neat and beautiful appearance.
Various things may be used as decorations for Kadomatsu. For example, red decorations, knots, and ribbons are attached to the top and sides of the kadomatsu to make it more colorful.
◾️Shimekazari
Shimekazari, which are decorated shimenawa ropes, are displayed at entrances and gates. Shimekazari is said to protect your home and family from evil spirits and drive away bad luck. In particular, shimenawa is believed to keep evil spirits and disasters away due to its circular shape. It also has a sacred meaning. Shimenawa and knots are frequently found at shrines and sacred places and are believed to appease the gods and protect sacred energies. The knot in the shimekazari is said to symbolize the bond and unity of family and home. New Year's is a time when families gather together, and it is believed that Shimekazari strengthens family bonds and brings happiness.
Before the war, the main material used for shimenawa was hemp, which was considered a sacred plant, but due to the narrowing of distribution, rice straw is now commonly used. In recent years, chemical fibers have also come into use because they are highly durable and easy to handle.
In most households, small shime-kazari called wa-kazari, which are thin shimenawa ropes with leaves and paper drops attached, are often displayed at the entrance.
◾️“Kagami-mochi” offering to the Shinto altar
The name kagami-mochi comes from its shape, which resembles an ancient mirror. Kagami-mochi is treated as pure and innocent, and is offered to Shinto altars as a sacred object. Additionally, since mochi is mainly made of rice, it also has the meaning of praying for fertility and the health of one's family.
Therefore, kagami-mochi is a good option as one of the common mochi options when offering to a Shinto altar. Other regions and households may use mochi of different shapes, such as maru-mochi or kiri-mochi, but kagami-mochi is one of the more popular options and is widely loved.
It is said that these items are displayed as early as December 13th and put away on January 7th or 15th, depending on the region.