What are Shimenawa? | Explained from the Background and Origins of Japanese Culture
What is Shimenawa? | Explained from the Background and Origin of Japanese Culture
As New Year's approaches, we often see "shimenawa" and "shimekazari" at supermarkets, department stores, and on doorsteps around town.
You might decorate with them every year without much thought, but did you know that these are not just festive decorations, but "sacred boundaries" derived from Japan's oldest myths?
Understanding the true meaning of "shimenawa" will make your New Year's preparations deeper and more thoughtful.
By reading this article, you will learn everything from "the true meaning of shimenawa" to "its mythological origin for New Year's decoration," and "the rules for proper display (timing and location)."
At the end, we introduce modern shimekazari designed by &YOUKAEN florists. Please take a look.
What is Shimenawa? Its Basic Meaning
What kind of decoration is shimenawa?
Shimenawa is a sacred rope made by weaving freshly harvested "rice straw (shinwara)" and hanging zigzagging white paper called "shide" from it.
It is written in kanji as "注連縄" or "七五三縄". It is the same rope that you see stretched around sacred trees or in front of the worship halls at shrines.
Three Main Roles of Shimenawa
The "shimenawa (shimekazari)" that we display at our entrances for New Year's has three major important roles.
1. Indicating a pure place to welcome gods (boundary)
This is its primary role.
The inside of the shimenawa is "a purified, sacred place (tokoyo) to welcome Toshigami-sama (New Year's deity)", and it acts as a "kekkai (boundary)" distinguishing it from the "secular world (tsuneyo)" outside where we usually live.
In other words, it is a sign that says, "Our home is a pure place, ready to welcome Toshigami-sama."
2. Keeping calamities and evil spirits out of the house (amulet)
Related to the boundary function mentioned above, shimenawa also serves as an "amulet against evil and misfortune."
It acts as a "barrier" to protect the sacred place, preventing impurities and calamities (evil spirits) from entering the house.
3. Praying for a bountiful harvest and family safety
By displaying shimenawa, respectfully welcoming and entertaining Toshigami-sama, it also serves as a "symbol of prayer" for "bountiful harvests," "family safety," and "business prosperity" in the coming year.
What is shimenawa made of?
The main material for shimenawa is "rice straw."
Many New Year's decorations also combine various other auspicious items with shimenawa.
・Shide: Zigzagging white paper. Said to be modeled after lightning, it indicates the descent of deities and a pure place.
・Urashiro: A type of fern. The white underside of its leaves symbolizes "purity of heart" and "longevity until one's hair turns white."
・Yuzuriha: As new leaves emerge and old leaves fall off as if yielding, it symbolizes "prosperity of descendants."
・Daidai (bitter orange): Since its fruits remain on the tree for generations without falling, it carries the wish for "the family's prosperity for generations."
About the Origin of Shimenawa
So, when and how did this "shimenawa" culture begin?
Its roots lie in two deep origins: Japanese mythology and rice cultivation beliefs.
1. Amaterasu Omikami and the Cave of Heavenly Rock (Amano-Iwato) Myth
The mythical origin of shimenawa is found in one of Japan's most famous myths, the "Amano-Iwato Hidden," recorded in the Kojiki.
1. Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, angered by her brother's misconduct, hid in a cave called Amano-Iwato. The world was plunged into darkness.
2. Troubled, the myriad gods held a feast in front of the rock cave, attracting Amaterasu Omikami's curiosity.
3. The moment Amaterasu Omikami slightly opened the rock cave, wondering "what was happening," a strong god (Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-kami) forcibly opened the cave and pulled Amaterasu Omikami out.
4. Immediately, another god (Futodama-no-Mikoto) strung a "shirikume-nawa (=prototype of shimenawa)" across the entrance of the rock cave to prevent Amaterasu Omikami from ever returning.
This myth is the direct origin of why shimenawa became a "boundary separating sacred places from the secular world" and has the meaning of "not letting the god (good) that has entered escape, and keeping evil out."
2. Connection with Rice Cultivation Beliefs
Alongside mythology, there is also an origin deeply connected to our daily lives. Why is shimenawa made of "rice straw"?
For the Japanese, who have cultivated rice since ancient times, rice (paddy) was not merely food, but a sacred dwelling place for gods and the very gratitude for the year's harvest (source of life).
It is customary for the shimenawa displayed at New Year's to be made from new rice straw harvested that year.
Therefore, shimenawa is also a symbol of Japan's rice cultivation culture, embodying "gratitude for the harvest" and "prayers for a bountiful harvest in the coming year."
Different Shapes and Characteristics of Shimenawa by Region
Even though we call it "shimenawa," there are actually various shapes and characteristics depending on the region and shrine. Here are a few tidbits of information.
・Hidarinai (left twist) and Miginai (right twist): There are also differences in how the rope is twisted. There are various rules, such as "hidarinai" often being used in sacred places because the left side (right when facing it) from the perspective of a deity is considered superior.
・Gobojime (burdock knot): One side is thick and the other tapers thinly, resembling the vegetable "gobo" (burdock). This is the most common shape seen on household altars, with the thick end facing the deity (or higher position).
・Izumo-gata (daikonjime): The most famous and impressive is the gigantic shimenawa of "Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)". This shape, unlike gobojime, is thickest in the middle and tapers at both ends, also known as "daikonjime" (radish knot).
When to Display Shimenawa? (Rules for Display and Customs)
Now that we understand the sacred meaning of "shimenawa," let's explain the most important practical knowledge: "when to display and remove it." This is an important etiquette when welcoming Toshigami-sama.
When to display shimenawa (From when?)
You can display it anytime after December 13th, "Shogatsu Kotohajime" (the day New Year's preparations begin).
Generally, many households start decorating after Christmas (25th) and after finishing their year-end cleaning.
The best day to display it is said to be "December 28th." This is because "hachi" (eight) symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. At the latest, try to display it by the 30th.
"NG Days" not to display
Conversely, there are two days when you should avoid displaying it.
・December 29th: This day is considered unlucky as it sounds like "nijuku (double suffering)" or "ku (suffering)". Avoid displaying it on this day.
・December 31st: Displaying it on New Year's Eve is called "ichiya-kazari (one-night decoration)." This is considered "disrespectful" to the deities as it implies preparing at the very last minute to welcome them, and it also evokes the image of "funeral preparations (only lasting one night)."
When to remove shimenawa (Until when?)
Shimenawa should be removed after "Matsunouchi" (the period during which Toshigami-sama stays at your home) ends. This "Matsunouchi" varies by region:
・Kanto region: Until January 7th
・Kansai region: Until January 15th (Koshogatsu)
Please follow the custom of your own region.
After removal, purify with "Dondo-yaki (Sagicho)"
Since the removed shimenawa is a sacred item, it is not advisable to dispose of it as garbage.
Around January 15th, take it to a "Dondo-yaki (Sagicho)" fire festival held at local shrines.
There, along with other New Year's decorations, it is formally incinerated with gratitude, sending Toshigami-sama back to heaven with the smoke.
&YOUKAEN is Selling Shimekazari!
As you can see, shimenawa is a decoration with a very deep and sacred meaning, tracing back to Japanese mythology.
Therefore, it is something we want to choose with care as we prepare for the New Year.
&YOUKAEN offers special shimekazari designed to suit modern lifestyles while cherishing this traditional meaning.
Fresh New Year's Decorations for a Vibrant New Year
Our shimekazari are based on traditional rice straw, adorned with fresh pine (trees where deities reside), auspicious Nanten (heavenly bamboo, believed to ward off misfortune), and rice ears (for bountiful harvests), all chosen with a florist's unique sensibility.
While fully respecting the traditional meaning of welcoming Toshigami-sama, they feature a modern design that beautifully complements contemporary homes and front doors.
Welcome a pure New Year with high-quality shimekazari, each meticulously designed by professional florists.
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Summary
Have you understood the true meaning of "shimenawa"?
1. "Shimenawa" is not merely a decoration, but a "boundary that separates sacred places from the secular world" to welcome Toshigami-sama.
2. Its origins lie in two deep roots: the "Amano-Iwato" myth of Amaterasu Omikami (a boundary to prevent return) and Japan's "rice cultivation beliefs" (gratitude for the harvest).
3. The optimal time to display it is "December 28th." Absolutely avoid the unlucky "29th (suffering)" and the disrespectful "31st (one-night decoration)" for the deities.
By understanding the true meaning of shimenawa and preparing with sincerity, the New Year is sure to be wonderful.
Welcome a bright New Year with the sacred and beautiful shimekazari from &YOUKAEN.
Nov 04, 2025
