2023.12.26Decorations at the end of the year and the beginning of the year
As an annual project, Waseda Keifuku Gakuin establishes “kadomatsu” in front of school to show one of the traditions of local culture to students and citizens.
Today, let’s introduce the traditional decoration of the new year in Japan.
Kadomatsu is a guide for the coming of the gods. An evergreen ‘Pine’ was regarded as a tree where God dwells, and it was considered to be suitable for “wait” for the God of the year. After that, it is said that “bamboo” which extends the straight line and “ume” which blooms in new spring is attached as lucky charm.
The place where kadomatsu is decorated is gate or entrance. Two pieces are paired, and originally, the pine tree (the pine tree) is put on the left side from the outside to the entrance, and the pine tree (the pine tree) is put on the right side.
The term “Matsu no uchi” refers to the period when the God of the gods is enshrined. Generally, until January 7th, Kansai, etc. When I pass through the pine tree, I disguise kadomatsu.
Before the new year, let’s decorate kadomatsu in front of you! I’ll bring you one year luck!