What is Kadomatsu ? | Commentary by Japanese webmaster | Common in Japan #10

What is ‘Kadomatsu’ ?

Why do Japanese display it ?

I wrote this article to clear your question about ‘Kadomatsu’ as traditional item in Japan.

I would like to explain about the topic with mainly two parts.

Basic knowledge of Kadomatsu in Japan
Deep Diving with answering questions
- Reason to display
- Meaning of the material
- History
- Location to see

In first part, you can get basic information about ‘Kadomatsu’ in Japan.

And next, I would like to introduce more details, with style of answering questions. You can get information with cherry pick style, in stead of reading long article.

I hope you will have proper information about ‘Kadomatsu’ in Japan, after reading this page.

This Article is written by

SHINTA+

Japanese Blog Writer | Born and raised in Japan. Lived, worked, visited in 21 countries in total. Introducing Japanese culture, based on experiences both domestic and international.

Table of contents

What is Kadomatsu
Deep Diving into Kadomatsu in Japan
Postscript

What is Kadomatsu

Kadomatsu is a item to celebrate new year, in Japan. When we, Japanese, see this item, feeling that new year is coming.

Kadomatsu is made of Pipe Tree and Bamboo. And adding other materials, like plum tree, Nandina fruits, flowering kales, etc to put color on Kadomatsu.

‘Kado’ means ‘Gate’, and ‘Matsu’ does ‘Pipe Tree’. Kadomatsu is mainly displayed at gate of the building.

What is Kadomatsu

Item to celebrate new year
Made of Pipe Tree and Bamboo
Displayed in new year days
Displayed at gate of the building

Deep Diving into Kadomatsu in Japan

I would like to introduce more information about Kadomatsu in Japan, in this paragraph with Q & A style, so that you can access information easily.

Please kindly open items what you want to know.

SHINTA+

I hope you can clear your question in this part.

Why do Japanese people display it ?

It’s said that a god, ‘Toshigami’ visit houses to bring happiness in new year days. ‘Kadomatsu’ is displayed at gate to welcome ‘Toshigami god’ into the building.

Reference : Hibiyakadan webpage

Why does it made of Bamboo and Pipe Tree ?

It’s said that Kadomatsu has a power to give energy to people

Pipe tree is symbol of vitality
Bamboo is symbol of prosperity

Reference : Satoyamasupport webpage

When is it placed and removed ?

It’s said that it is good to place Kadomatsu in 13th.Dec – 28th.Dec.

Removal date is different in each area of Japan. In earlier case, Kadomatsu is removed in night of 6th.Jan. And in later case, it is removed in 15th.Jan.

Sauce : Hana Cupid webpage

What is the history ?

The tradition to display pine tree is coming from China around 9th or 10th century. Then, Japanese added bamboo around 13th century.