Words of Pine and Bamboo: The form of prayer that resides in Kadomatsu

The words of pine and bamboo: the form of prayer dwelling in kadomatsu

As the end of the year approaches, rows of dignified kadomatsu (New Year's decorations) begin to appear on street corners, under the eaves of shops, and in front of homes. The green of the pine, the knots of the bamboo, the tense atmosphere of the shimenawa rope...these are not just decorations, but have quietly taken root in our lives since ancient times as "signs to welcome the gods."

The origins of kadomatsu date back to the Heian period. At that time, there was a custom called "komatsuhiki," in which young pine trees were pulled from the mountains early in the morning on New Year's Day and offered to the gods as an offering to pray for safety and a bountiful harvest in the new year. Eventually, this custom evolved into "kadomatsu," in which pine trees are planted at the entrances of homes. As pine trees are evergreen, they are considered a symbol of longevity and immortality, and their lush green appearance even in winter also symbolizes vitality.

During the Muromachi period, bamboo was added to the design of kadomatsu. In particular, in samurai society, bamboo's straight growth and knotted structure were favored as symbols of purity and growth. The "sogi-gata" style, in which the tip of the bamboo is cut at an angle, has a powerful look reminiscent of the tip of a spear, and spread mainly in the Kanto region. Meanwhile, in Kansai, the "cylindrical" style, in which the bamboo is cut straight, is mainstream, giving a more gentle and calm impression. In this way, kadomatsu came to be like a mirror that reflected the aesthetic sense and beliefs of each region.

The essence of kadomatsu is to be a sign to welcome Toshigamisama, the god who descends upon each home at New Year's and is believed to bring good harvests and safety to the household for the year. The kadomatsu is a "green sign" to guide the god without leading him astray. This is why kadomatsu are put up before the end of the year. Generally, it is considered best to put them up between December 26th and 28th, with the 29th being avoided as it is associated with "suffering (9)" and the 31st being considered "one-night decorations" and disrespectful to the god. This sense of the calendar also speaks to the delicate religious beliefs and aesthetic sense of the Japanese people.

Kadomatsu are taken down once the New Year begins and the "matsunouchi" period ends. In the Kanto region, matsunouchi is generally observed until January 7th, while in Kansai, it lasts until the 15th. Once taken down, the kadomatsu are burned in a "dondoyaki" ceremony held at shrines and other locations, and the smoke returns to the heavens. Welcoming, entertaining, and seeing off the gods - this series of events embodies the Japanese sensibility of "living with the invisible."

Fewer households may be putting up kadomatsu in modern life. However, the essence of kadomatsu is "preparation to welcome the gods" and "a ritual to prepare the mind." For example, decorating a small pine branch in a vase, serving New Year's food in a bamboo-patterned dish, or adding words like "Welcome the New Year" or "Early Spring" to a letter. Each of these actions has become a modern kadomatsu, a "sign" to welcome something invisible.

At WABISUKE, we find this act of welcoming in our daily lives. The clasp is a container that holds the memories of the day. The zine is a space that welcomes words. Like the kadomatsu, both are forms for welcoming something. Welcoming culture. Welcoming memories. Welcoming someone's feelings. The accumulation of these quiet actions transforms life into poetry.

It is especially in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the end of the year that we should remember Kadomatsu. Cleaning, arranging things, choosing words, and quietly preparing to welcome the new year. All of these are ways of preparing the mind to welcome culture, and perhaps even rituals to welcome the Toshigamisama within ourselves.

As we approach the end of the year, try incorporating small "words of pine and bamboo" into your daily life. These will become quiet prayers that not only welcome God, but also welcome your own heart.