K1
K2
Happy New Year everyone. I know, we’re already mid way through January but the year is still new right?
I really enjoy seeing the decorations at this time of year in Japan (a bit earlier than now I should say).
Soon after Christmas we see them going up. Well, let me correct that…
I don’t usually see them going up. It’s like they just appear and are all around. I’ve seen them at the entrance of homes, stores, schools, supermarkets, hotels and plazas.
This year I decided to capture a few. I particularly took photos of some arrangements that are called,“Kadomatsu”. I have labeled them using “K” and numbers. Please forgive me if the labeling sounds like kindergarten classes.
K3
K4
Designs of Kadomatsu vary but there are some basic components that I have observed. Usually there are cuts of bamboo, small branches or sprigs of pine tree and some flowers. I’ve seen orchids, ornamental kale and other flowers that I need to do some research on. Haha! I really love flowers but I’m not good at the names. Knowing the names should have been set as one of my new year’s resolutions. One color that usually stands out in the arrangements, is “red”.
Red, apparently symbolizes different things in Japan. The red in its flag represents the sun. The color also symbolizes prosperity. Most times I see it used for celebratory events including the New Year. There may be other meanings as well.
K5
K6
K7
Kadomatsu vary in size. I’ve seen some that I’ve really had to look up at to get a full view and I’ve seen small ones that could probably fit in the palm of my hands. They’re generally beautiful and I’m learning that there is significance and symbolism in the items used. It’s said that the bamboo represents prosperity and the pine, longevity. The cuts of bamboo are usually placed at varying heights or levels.
K8
Have you seen these kinds of arrangements?
From K1-K8, which was your favorite?
Do certain colors have special meanings in your country?
Please comment below. Wishing you all a great year and if your new year hasn’t yet started, wishing you a great one when it comes.