The History and Significance of Kadomatsu, an Essential New Year Decoration
The History and Meaning of Kadomatsu, an Essential New Year's Decoration
Kadomatsu are traditional decorations placed at the gates or entrances of homes during the New Year's holiday. Everyone recognizes them as a symbol of the New Year, but do you know why they are displayed, or their deeper meaning and history?
Kadomatsu serve as an important marker to welcome the "very important gods" who visit each home during the New Year.
In this article, a professional florist will explain everything about kadomatsu from their true meaning, the auspicious significance of the plants used (pine, bamboo, and plum), the correct display period, and even their lesser-known history and regional variations, all from the perspective of a plant professional.
Why are Kadomatsu displayed for the New Year?
There's an important, long-standing reason why kadomatsu are displayed for the New Year. It embodies the spirit of "hospitality" in welcoming the gods of the New Year.
Kadomatsu serve as a "landmark" for the Toshigami (New Year's God) to descend
The biggest question regarding "kadomatsu" is probably, "Why are they displayed?"
The primary role of kadomatsu is to serve as a "landmark" to guide the "Toshigami (New Year's God)"—who visits us in the New Year to bring health, abundant harvests, and other happiness for the year—to our homes without getting lost.
At the same time, they also act as a "yorishiro" (object to which a divine spirit is drawn) where the Toshigami resides upon arrival. In other words, the act of placing kadomatsu for the New Year is a welcoming sign that says, "Welcome to our home, Toshigami! We are waiting for you here."
Composition of Kadomatsu
Kadomatsu are typically composed of three auspicious plants: "pine," "bamboo," and "plum" (though in some regions, plum may be replaced by ornamental cabbage, etc.).
The reason these three were chosen is that each plant holds deeply auspicious and celebratory meanings.
Let's delve into this in the next section.
Meaning and Symbolism in Kadomatsu
This is the part we florists cherish the most.
We will explain why these three plants, known as "shochikubai" (pine, bamboo, and plum), are considered so auspicious.
Pine symbolizes "longevity"
Pine is an evergreen tree that retains its vibrant green leaves even in the harsh winter. Due to its strong vitality, it has long been considered a symbol of "eternal youth and longevity."
Furthermore, because it sounds similar to "matsuru" (to worship), it has also been revered as a sacred tree where gods reside.
Bamboo symbolizes "growth and prosperity"
Bamboo grows rapidly and straight towards the sky. From its appearance, it symbolizes "growth," "prosperity," and "vitality."
Additionally, because it withstands heavy snow without breaking and has clear nodes, it also represents "sincerity" and "purity," making it a highly auspicious plant.
Plum symbolizes "perseverance and vitality"
Plum trees bloom beautiful flowers earlier than any other in late winter, when it is still cold.
From this, they symbolize "perseverance" in enduring the harsh winter, and "vitality," "good fortune," and "nobility" in announcing the arrival of spring.
While pine and bamboo are the main components of kadomatsu, plum is often added for color, making pine, bamboo, and plum the most auspicious combination in Japan.
When should Kadomatsu be displayed?
Kadomatsu are important items for welcoming the gods, so there are rules regarding when they should be displayed.
Let's learn the correct knowledge of "when to display and remove kadomatsu."
It's good to display them by December 28th!
You can start displaying kadomatsu anytime after December 13th, which marks "Shogatsu Kotohajime" (the start of New Year preparations).
Generally, people begin displaying them around December 26th, after Christmas (25th) and after finishing their end-of-year cleaning.
Specifically, "December 28th" is considered the best day to display them because "eight" (八) is considered auspicious, symbolizing prosperity. They should be displayed no later than December 30th.
December 29th and 31st are NOT recommended
Conversely, there are two days to avoid displaying them.
・December 29th: This day is considered unlucky because it can be associated with "nijuku" (double suffering) or "kumatsu" (waiting for suffering).
・December 31st: Displaying decorations on New Year's Eve is called "ichiya-kazari" (one-night decoration). This is considered disrespectful to the New Year's gods, similar to preparing for a funeral (which also happens overnight), implying a rushed preparation.
Display until Matsu no Uchi
The period during which kadomatsu are displayed is called "Matsu no Uchi." This refers to the period when the New Year's god stays at your home.
This period varies by region, but generally it is
・Kanto: until January 7th
・Kansai: until January 15th (Koshogatsu)
After Matsu no Uchi ends, it is polite to remove them with gratitude and offer them for burning at a shrine (such as during "Dondo-yaki").
About the History of Kadomatsu
When did "kadomatsu" take on their current form? Tracing their history reveals the transformation of Japanese culture.
Begins as yorishiro (vessel for a deity) to welcome the Toshigami
The origin of kadomatsu is very ancient, believed to have begun with the simple custom of people placing evergreen trees (especially the sacred pine) in front of their homes as a marker (yorishiro) to welcome the Toshigami.
(Reference: Government Public Relations "Highlighting Japan")
Appears as a court ritual in the Nara-Heian period
In the Nara and Heian periods, influenced by culture from China, a ritual called "Komatsu-biki" (pulling young pines) emerged as a New Year's court event, where "pines" were pulled up and displayed. It seems bamboo was not yet combined with them at this point.
(Reference: Toyama Prefectural Pharmacists Association "Toyaku No.378")
Form established and spread to common people in Kamakura-Muromachi periods
During the Kamakura period, New Year's customs spread to the samurai class, and in the Muromachi period, the style of displaying "pine" and "bamboo" together as a set, as seen today, is said to have become established. Around this time, it also spread among the common people.
(Reference: WorldAtlas "What is Kadomatsu?")
Developed into its modern form in the Edo period
In the Edo period, commoner culture blossomed, and New Year's customs developed further.
The elaborate kadomatsu adorned with pine, bamboo, and plum, as we see them today, as well as designs emphasizing the way bamboo is cut (sogi or zundō), emerged.
(Reference book: "Nihon Fuzoku-shi Jiten" (11907419) p.116-117 "Kadomatsu")
In modern times, mini-kadomatsu and entrance decorations for general households
In modern times, especially in urban areas, fewer homes display large kadomatsu.
However, the important meaning of "welcoming the New Year's god" has been passed down, and kadomatsu still adorn the entrances of general households, appearing as "mini-kadomatsu" or "New Year's decorations" (wreaths or arrangements) made with pine and bamboo, adding vibrancy to homes.
Kadomatsu have regional characteristics
Did you know that kadomatsu are not uniform nationwide, but have distinct designs depending on the region? The most noticeable difference is in how the bamboo is cut.
Kanto
In Kanto (especially Edo), "sogi," where the bamboo is cut diagonally, is common.
This is strongly influenced by samurai culture, with one theory suggesting that Tokugawa Ieyasu favored this style for its auspiciousness, symbolizing "cutting down enemies," and for its resemblance to a smiling face. (Various theories exist)
Kansai
In Kansai (especially Kyoto), "zundō," where the bamboo is cut straight horizontally at a node, is common.
This is also said to be influenced by court culture, and by exposing the cut end (node), it is called "warai-dake" (laughing bamboo) and believed to bring good fortune.
Kyushu
In the Kyushu region, kadomatsu can be seen in even more diverse forms, with very long bamboo or elaborately used straw.
Summary
Have you gained a deeper understanding of the profound meaning and history of "kadomatsu"?
1. "Kadomatsu" are important "landmarks" for welcoming and hosting the "Toshigami," who bring happiness for the New Year.
2. The "pine (longevity)," "bamboo (prosperity)," and "plum (vitality)" that make up kadomatsu are the most auspicious combination of plants in Japan.
3. The basic rule is to display them by "December 28th" and remove them after "Matsu no Uchi" (January 7th or 15th) has passed.
Setting up large kadomatsu might be difficult in modern living environments. However, the underlying refreshing spirit of "welcoming and entertaining the Toshigami" is a traditional Japanese value that remains as important today as it was in the past.
At &YOUKAEN, we offer a wide range of New Year's arrangements and bouquets that are easy to display in modern homes, using auspicious plants like "pine" and "plum" found in kadomatsu, as well as "nanten" (heavenly bamboo) which is believed to "turn difficulties away" (nan wo tenzuru). This allows households that find it challenging to set up kadomatsu to still easily welcome the Toshigami.
Why not decorate your entrance or living room with splendid flowers thoughtfully designed by professional florists, serving as a "yorishiro" just like kadomatsu, to welcome the New Year's god?
◆Revision History
December 9, 2025: Some dates revised for accuracy based on confirmed sources. References and sources added.
Oct 29, 2025
