Kudomatsu

The kudomatsu is a nice New Year's tradition that we received from Japan. Around town you will notice these arrangements on many doorsteps.  The message that they bring is explained below.

This photo is of the Kudomatsu in our office Lobby-magnificant!

The kudomatsu or "gate-pine" is an arrangement of pine, bamboo, and sometimes plum blossom. The arrangement is placed on either side of the front entrance to the house to ward off evil dominance and invoke fertility, growth, and the power to resist adversity and old age. The pine represents strength, longivity and youthful optimism. The bamboo, which is straight and unbending, symbolizes resilience, uprightness, rapid growth and finial piety; it leans with the wind, but does not break.