Since it is the new year season, let's talk have some festive talks. Japanese celebrate new year's day on January 1 after the Meiji Restoration around 1873. Before that, new year was celebrated according to the lunar calendar as the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Traditionally, a pair 門松 or kadomatsu meaning "door pine" is placed in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest. They are placed after Christmas until January 7 and are considered haven to the almighty kami.Kadomatsu typically consist of pine, bamboo, and sometimes plum tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively. Cheers to a new year, Bansai~
