Shogatstu and Hatsumode in Japan

 Shogatsu is the celebration of the New Year and is the most important holiday in Japan,comparable to Christmas in Western countries.  Entrance of houses and buildings are decorated with a set of pine branches and bamboo called Kadomatsu,but Shimekazari is more popular as a decoration which is a twisted straw rope with fern leaves,an orange,and other items of good fortune.  It is placed over the entrance of a house during the New Year holidays.

 Hatsumode is the first visit paid on the New Year holidays to a shrine or temple.  People pray for a long life and happiness for the year.