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Kadomatsu (門松; "gatepine") are traditionalJapanese decorations made for theNew Year. They are a type ofyorishiro, or objects intended to welcome ancestral spirits orkami of the harvest.[1]Kadomatsu are usually placed in pairs in front of homes and buildings.
Historically,kadomatsu was often made withpine wood, but these days bamboo is more common. The central portion of thekadomatsu is formed from three large bamboos, though plastickadomatsu are available. After binding all the elements of thekadomatsu, 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.
In modern times,kadomatsu are placed afterChristmas until January 7 (or January 15 during theEdo period) and are considered temporary housing (shintai) forkami. Designs forkadomatsu vary depending on region but are typically made ofpine,bamboo, and sometimesume tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.[2] "The fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive thetoshigami (deity), 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) thekadomatsu is burned to appease thekami ortoshigami and release them.
Thekadomatsu is included inUnicode as theemojiU+1F38D 🎍PINE DECORATION.[3][4]
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