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During the New Year season from late December to early January in Japan, you will see holiday decorations in front of people’s entrances to their homes and businesses. These decorations look like a tree or plant in structure but are actually called kadomatsu or pine gates.

The kadomatsu is typically made from a combination of pine tree, bamboo and plum flowers. Traditionally, there have been two of these structures in front of people’s doors – one representing the male and the other the female spirits. People in Japan believe that the spirits or gods will visit, and bring good fortune if they observe the kadomatsu as a welcoming sign to enter the house.

Each culture around the world has various traditions at holiday times. New Years is a special time in all cultures, and Japan celebrates the season with a mixture of Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian religions, along with their customs and decorations. Unique to Japan though is the “pine gate” at the door entrance to homes and businesses. This decoration is a simple way for people to welcome in the new year with wishes for good fortune for all.