Some of the typical New Year’s decorations include the kadomatusu (\u9580\u677e<\/strong><\/span>).\u00a0 The Kadomatsu (\u9580\u677e<\/strong><\/span>) is a type of bamboo and pine decoration.\u00a0 From far away it looks like a minature tree, but it’s not a tree.\u00a0 There are usually three bamboo shoots tied with straw and some pine around the edges.\u00a0 The kadomatsu (\u9580\u677e<\/strong><\/span>) come in pairs and represent male and female entities.\u00a0 The kadomatsu (\u9580\u677e<\/strong><\/span>) is placed right outside of the house before the entrance.\u00a0 The kadomatsu (\u9580\u677e<\/strong><\/span>) is thought to invite kami (\u795e<\/strong>) or spirits to dwell within the bamboo and pine.\u00a0 Of course, it’s supposed to bring in the good spirits, not the bad ones.\u00a0 Hopefully the kamis (\u795e<\/strong>) leave the kadomatsu (\u9580\u677e<\/strong><\/span>) before it’s burned in the dondo yaki (\u3069\u3093\u3069\u3084\u304d<\/strong>)!<\/p>\n The shimenawa (\u6a19\u7e04<\/strong><\/span>) is also burned in the dondo yaki (\u3069\u3093\u3069\u3084\u304d<\/strong>).\u00a0 Most normal rope is twisted in a certain direction, but the shimenawa (\u6a19\u7e04<\/strong><\/span>) is a type of rope that has been twisted in the opposite directioon.\u00a0 It’s thought that bad spirits will be turned away in the opposite direction with the shimenawa (\u6a19\u7e04<\/strong><\/span>).\u00a0 The shimenawa (\u6a19\u7e04<\/strong><\/span>) is often accompanied by a shide (\u7d19\u5782<\/strong><\/span><\/span>).\u00a0 A shide (\u7d19\u5782<\/strong><\/span><\/span>) is a pointy, white type of paper with jagged edges.\u00a0 Again, the jagged edges are supposed to drive away evil spirits.<\/p>\n When the daruma (\u9054\u78e8<\/strong><\/span>) is burned along with the rest of the New Year’s decorations, it gives me a sense of relief.\u00a0 It’s like all the hard work and struggle is coming to a final close.\u00a0 Everyone, it’s been a pleasure writing this blog.\u00a0 I hope that you’ll continue reading and learning the Japanese language and culture in the year 2009.\u00a0 Bye!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Around the seventh of January and many days afterward, the Japanese have a tradition of burning New Year’s decorations.\u00a0 Burning the New Year’s decorations symbolizes the act of moving forward.\u00a0 If you don’t burn the New Year’s decorations, it’s like holding\u00a0on to\u00a0the past.\u00a0 Moreover, holding\u00a0on to the past is\u00a0an act that doesn’t help you grow…<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.blogadilla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/05\/daruma.jpg\")
Lastly, let’s not forget the daruma (\u9054\u78e8<\/strong><\/span>).\u00a0 A daruma (\u9054\u78e8<\/strong><\/span>) is a type of doll without arms or legs.\u00a0 It’s made out of wood or plastic.\u00a0 Darumas (\u9054\u78e8<\/strong><\/span>) typically come in red, and have two eyes without pupils.\u00a0 A daruma (\u9054\u78e8<\/strong><\/span>) is an effective tool to help make your dreams a reality.\u00a0 How?\u00a0 Well first you start by making a wish or setting a goal.\u00a0 Then you draw in a black pupil for one of the eyes.\u00a0 If you’ve accomplished your goal or if your wish came true, you draw in the other eye.\u00a0 I personally like it because it constantly reminds me of what I need to do to fulfill my goals.\u00a0 I have a daruma (\u9054\u78e8<\/strong><\/span>) sitting on my desk and looking at it every day with only one eye drawn in is very distressing to me.\u00a0 It looks so wrong, with one eye blank and the other eye perfectly normal.<\/p>\n