As the New Year approaches a custom that is hanai into our local tradition is placing a kadomatsu at the entry door of the home or business. Originated more than 400 years ago the kadomatsu is no longer a common practice in Japan yet it is devotedly perpetuated here in Hawaii as part of the culture brought to the islands during the “peopling of Hawaii.” Japanese visitors to the islands delight in seeing that we in Hawaii carry on a tradition that many no longer practice in Japan.
Kadomatsu (門松, meaning gate pine), is a symbolic decoration made from bamboo shoots and pine (matsu) tied together with a handmade straw rope. Traditionally the kadomatsu is set on both sides of the entry but many folks in Hawaii display a single one on a front porch or at the front desk in a business to usher in good luck for the New Year!
The natural elements used in making of the kadomatsu all have significance. Bamboo symbolizes strength and growth and is tied together with pine cuttings that symbolize long life. Traditionally the kadomatsu is made from 3 bamboo strains, diagonally cut; around 1 meter (3ft) tall but the size can reflect the entryway. In Hawaii smaller ones are usually seen inside of business.
Similar to the art of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), the bamboo shoots are set at three different heights and represent heaven, humanity, and earth with heaven being the highest and earth being the lowest. Depending on tradition some kadomatsu makers tie the humanity and earth shoots at the same height. After binding all the elements of the kadomatsu, it is bound with a newly woven straw rope and mat.
Traditionally kadomatsu are placed in pairs on either side of the entry, representing yin (female) and yang (male) – opposite and equal qualities. Plum (ume) blossoms can also be used in the arrangement, representing new beginnings, purity and sweetness.
Place your kadomatsu at the front door after Christmas and keep until January 7th, to welcome the New Year. It is believed that this brings prosperity and good luck in the next year to the families (or the businesses) protected by kadomatsu.
