What is the purpose of Kadomatsu?
What is the purpose of Kadomatsu?
A Kadomatsu is a traditional Japanese decoration that is usually placed in front of houses to serve the purpose of welcoming ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest season. They are placed after the Christmas celebrations and left until January 7-15. They are considered a temporary shelter for the kami spirits.
When should I get rid of Kadomatsu?
Traditionally, we keep the Kadomatsu until Jan. 15, after which we burn them to release Toshigami-sama.
What do you do with Kadomatsu after New Years?
“The fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive the toshigami (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) the kadomatsu is burned to appease the kami or toshigami and release …
What is kadomatsu made of?
Kadomatsu is composed of three bamboo shoots that are cut diagonally in different lengths, pine and sometimes ume (plum) tree sprigs, which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively, and a base made of straw.
What can I write on Nengajo?
Luckily there are some universal phrases that can be written on nengajo that can be sent to anyone without getting into difficulty.
- 1) あけましておめでとうございます。 Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu.
- 2) 今年もよろしくお願いします。 Kotoshimo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
- 3) 旧年中はお世話になりました。
- 4) ご健勝とご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。
- 5) 年始のご挨拶を申し上げます。
- Note!
- Costs.
- Start date.
Why do we hang stockings by the fireplace?
Why do we hang up a stocking? Simple answer: So Father Christmas can fill it with presents if you’ve been good. According to tradition, the original Saint Nicholas put gold coins in the stockings of three poor sisters. One night, the girls left their stockings drying over the fireplace.
Is kagami mochi eaten?
Kagami Biraki refers to the tradition in which kagami mochi (鏡餅), a pair of decorated rice cakes for God, is removed from the family altar and broken into smaller pieces before being eaten. Eating the mochi signifies a prayer for health and good fortune for the New Year.
Why is mochi good luck?
Mochi is a Japanese tradition since Heian period (794-1185), it was eaten to bring good fortune for the coming year since “mochi”’s pronunciation is similar to “to hold” or “to have”. Mochi is so culturally significant that in Japan, the shadows in the moon are interpreted as rabbits pounding mochi.
Why do we place A kadomatsu at the entry to the House?
In the Japanese tradition, one places a kadomatsu, or bamboo pine, at the entry to symbolize strength and good fortune. Originated in Japan more than 400 years ago, the practice is enthusiastically perpetuated here in Hawaii. In our culturally diverse society, both Japanese and non-Japanese residents honor this tradition on new year’s.
Can you buy Kadomatsu before the 13th in Hawaii?
Sadly, in Hawai‘i, some stores ignore the custom and start selling kadomatsu before the 13th. It seems that these stores care only about their own profits and/or may not be aware of the traditions. Selling the kadomatsu before the 13th disrespects Toshigami-sama. She does not like impurities.
What is the origin of the kadomatsu tree?
Kadomatsu translates literally to gate pine, implying a guard for the house. In the Edo Period of the 1400s in Japan, giant pieces of bamboo were filled with water and sand, and placed at doorways in case of fire emergency. The first generation of immigrants to Hawaii made these symbols of the new year using ironwood branches and local bamboo.
Can You decorate the kadomatsu on December 29?
On Dec. 13th, or after the 13th, matsu (pine bough) for kadomatsu is picked from the mountain or woods. It means that you can decorate the kadomatsu after Dec. 13, but not on Dec. 29 and Dec. 31. Dec. 29 is considered a bad luck day in our culture because of the number 9. In Japanese culture, 9 means suffering, so 29 means double suffering.
