Akadomatsu(literally "gate pine") is a traditional Japanese decoration of theNew Yearplaced in pairs in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits orkamiof the harvest. They are placed afterChristmasuntil January 7 (or January 15 during the Edo period) and are considered temporary housing (shintai) forkami. Designs forkadomatsuvary depending on region but are typically made ofpine,bamboo, and sometimes ume tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.
kadomatsu