Flower and Greenery Column

Happyを引き寄せる!-縁起の小ばなし-

Attract happiness! -Little tales of good luck-

There are only a few days left in the year. New Year's is almost here!
I want to get ready for the new year.
New Year's flowers are casually displayed every year.
Did you know that each one has a meaning?
This time, we will introduce the origin of this good luck charm!

■ New Year's decorations


New Year's decorations

"Shimekazari" is a decoration that is displayed at the entrance.
This decoration is hung as a sign to welcome the New Year deity.
A house decorated with Shimekazari is ready to welcome the New Year deity.
It is considered to be a sacred place.
It's fun to think about which New Year's decorations to use each year to welcome the New Year deity.

New Year's decorations
Shimekazari decorations should be put up after December 13th, which is considered the beginning of the New Year.
In particular, December 28th is recommended as the day when Christmas is over and the number "8" is associated with the auspicious symbolism, so it is the best day to start decorating.
On the other hand, December 29th is called "Double Worry" and December 31st is called "One Night Decoration."
It is best to avoid it as it is considered bad luck.
The period for displaying Shimekazari is known as "Matsunouchi," which lasts from January 7th to January 15th.
The period of Matsunouchi varies depending on the region, but it ends on January 7th in the Kanto and Kyushu regions and January 15th in Kansai.
Check it out in your area.
After the New Year period is over, they are burned at local bonfires and bonfires at shrines.
In areas where this custom does not exist or if you are unable to participate, you can purify yourself with salt and sake.
Wrap it in rice paper or newspaper and dispose of it as combustible waste.
It is considered disrespectful to the gods to reuse the same decorations from the following year.
It would be nice to decorate with new things every year so that you can welcome the new year with a fresh feeling.

■Kadomatsu


New Year's decorations
Kadomatsu is literally a pine tree that is decorated on a gate.
Like the Shimekazari decorations, these also serve as a sign to welcome the New Year deity.
Display it in a prominent place such as at the entrance or gate so that the New Year deity can see it clearly.
 
The design and shape of Kadomatsu differs from region to region,
"Pine" is a symbol of eternal life, "bamboo" is a symbol of vitality and prosperity, and "plum" is a symbol of success and good fortune.
It seems that these auspicious plants are often used.

New Year's decorations

The decoration period is from December 13th onwards, which is considered the beginning of the New Year.
Avoid decorating on the unlucky days of December 29th and December 31st.
After the New Year period, they are burned in a bonfire or takiage, just like the New Year decorations.
After purifying it with salt or sake, wrap it in rice paper or newspaper and dispose of it.

■Matsu


pine

The pine tree is an evergreen conifer that keeps its green leaves all year round and is a symbol of eternal life.
The tree is very old and is considered to be a lucky charm for eternal youth and longevity.
Because of its auspicious qualities, it is also used in New Year decorations and Kadomatsu decorations.
Those sold as cut flowers can be displayed in beautiful condition for over a month if you change the water frequently.
Decorating it with gorgeous flowers such as chrysanthemums, senryo flowers, and leaf peonies will make it feel even more like New Year's!

Pine spray bottle

Bonsai should be kept in a bright, well-ventilated place.
Small pots tend to dry out easily, so water thoroughly when the soil dries out.
By misting the leaves with water, you can keep them looking greener and cleaner.

■ Plum knot


Plum knot

A way of tying mizuhiki with a plum blossom motif.
It is one of the decorations that is often seen at celebrations.
Because it is tightly bound and difficult to untie, it is imbued with meanings such as "strong bonds and longevity."
It also has other meanings such as "protecting against evil" and "improving one's fortune."
It's not just a cute motif!

■ Sea bream


sea ​​bream

Sea bream is considered a symbol of longevity because it lives longer than other fish.
The wordplay, "medetai" (celebratory) and the red and white appearance also give it a sense of good fortune.
During the New Year in Kyoto, there is a custom of leaving a grilled salted sea bream called "Niramitai" (staring sea bream) with its head and tail intact on display for three days without touching it.
Perhaps it is an expression of the feeling that one should first offer food to the gods or Buddha with gratitude, and then receive it.

■Daruma


Daruma

A lucky charm that will grant any wish.
It has a long history and has long been loved as a lucky charm to ward off illness and disaster.
Among them, red daruma dolls are said to ward off evil spirits.
I would like to decorate it with the hope that the new year will be uneventful and safe.
The content of "Attract Happiness! -Little Tales of Good Fortune-" can be found on YouTube. On hanna CHANNEL
You can also watch the video.


Author: Nakanishi Edited by: Kambara

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