Kadomatsu
Kadomatsu
They
are placed after Christmas
until January 7 (or
January 15 during the Edo period)
and
are considered temporary housing (shintai)
for “kami” (spirits).
Designs
for kadomatsu vary depending
on
region but are typically made of pine,
bamboo,
and sometimes ume
tree sprigs which
represent longevity,
prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.
The
fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor
and receive the toshigami
(spirits of ancestors), who will then bring a bountiful harvest for
farmers and
bestow the ancestors' blessing on everyone.
After January 15 (or in many
instances the 19th) the kadomatsu
is burned to appease the kami
or toshigami and release them.
Kadomatsu Construction and placement
The
central portion of the kadomatsu
is formed from three large bamboo
shoots, though plastic
kadomatsu are available.
Similar to several traditions
of ikebana
(Japanese flower arrangement),
the shoots are set at
different heights and represent heaven,
humanity
and earth
with heaven being
the highest and earth being the lowest.
Some kadomatsu
place the humanity and earth shoots at the same
height.
After binding all
the elements of the kadomatsu,
it is bound with a straw
mat and newly woven straw
rope.
Kadomatsu
are placed in
pairs on either side of the gate,
representing male
and female.
