Kadomatsu

I’ve posted these lovely New Year decorations in previous years. Made of pine, bamboo and plum trees they can be found in front of apartments, houses and offices during the last few days of the old year and the first few days of the new year. Pine, bamboo and plum each symbolize longevity, prosperity and sturdiness in Japan.

Called kadomatsu, during the period from right after Christmas until January 7, they are believed to provide temporary housing for the toshigami sama (deity) in order to ensure a great harvest and blessings from the family's ancestors.