Kadomatsu

Kadomatsu ("gate pine") were traditionally placed in pairs (male and female) in front of homes in order to welcome ancestral spirits, or kami. They are displayed from before Christmas until January 7th, during which time they provide temporary housing for the spirits. At the centre of the kadomatsu are three bamboo shafts. The longest shoot represents heaven, the medium length shoot represents humanity and the shortest shoot represents earth, although some kadomatsu have the humanity and earth shoots of the same length. Kadomatsu are not seen so often in front of houses anymore; now they are more frequently seen, like this one at Sannomiya Train Station in Kobe, in front of large shops and department stores.