1.
New Year's pine decoration; kadomatsu
A traditional Japanese New Year decoration made of pine branches and bamboo, placed in pairs at the entrance of homes and businesses to welcome the god of the new year.
玄関に門松を飾った。
We put up kadomatsu at the entrance.
正月になると、商店街には門松が並ぶ。
When New Year's comes, kadomatsu line the shopping streets.
門松は松の内が過ぎたら片付けるのが一般的だ。
It is customary to take down the kadomatsu after the pine decoration period ends.
Compound of 門 (gate/entrance) + 松 (pine). Pine symbolizes longevity and vitality in Japanese culture.
門松 are set up in pairs at entrances before New Year's Day and removed after 松の内 (the first seven days of the year in most of Japan, or fifteen days in the Kansai region). They serve as a temporary dwelling for 年神 (the god of the new year).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 門松を飾る (to put up kadomatsu)
- 門松を立てる (to set up kadomatsu)
- 門松を片付ける (to take down kadomatsu)