Japanese New Year Decoration, Kadomatsu

For Shogatsu, the New Year celebrations, the building entrances are decorated with two types of ornaments. Above the door is displayed the shimekazari, and a pair of kadomatsu 門松 ("gate pines") is placed on the sides of the door.

Kadomatsu are temporary housings for the kami of the New Year, thus bringing prosperity and good luck for the family or for the business. The kadomatsu models vary by region, but their symbol is always the same: the bamboo is a symbol of strength and prosperity, the pine symbolizes long life, and the rope protects against evil spirits.