Traditions to Preserve the Nature: Yukizuri

 

When visiting Japanese gardens in the wintertime, you may find trees covered in ropes. These are called "Yukizuri" which means "Snow Hanging". The ropes are attached in a conical array around the trees, and its purpose is to protect the trees from the snow. By catching the snow on to the Yukizuri, it protects the branches from breaking due to the heavy snow.

However in Tokyo, it is very rare to see any heavy snows even during the wintertime. Therefore, it is said that Yukizuri in Tokyo is done for creating a beautiful, winter-like view.

Traditions to Preserve the Nature: Komo Maki

When you visit Japanese gardens in the wintertime, you may find that there are some pine trees with straw mat wrapped around.

These straw mats are called "Komo Maki", which means "(Straw) Mat Wrap". Because they are only seen during the wintertime, it may seem like they exist to protect the trees from the cold winter weather. However, the role of the Komo is not for protection against the cold weather, but is actually used for protection against insects.

When the weather turns cold, many insects which used to live in the branches will try to hibernate in the ground by passing the trunk of the tree. The upper part of the Komo is tied loosely, while the lower part is tied tightly, so that the insects can be trapped inside the Komo and spend the wintertime here. When spring comes, the Komo is removed from the tree and burnt together with the insects.

"Houyou Jyutsu" (Falconry) Event in Hama-rikyu Gardens

 

Hama-rikyu Gardens, is one of my favorite parks in Tokyo. It is so amazing that this traditional Japanese garden existed from 1654 (back in the Edo era), and still keeps its beauty even after Great Kanto Earthquake and the World Wars. What's most amazing about Hama-rikyu, is its location. It is located in the center of Tokyo, so if you look around from the park, you'll realize that you're surrounded by skyscrapers. You'll be able to enjoy both the traditional and modern Tokyo in this location.

Today, Hama-rikyu was celebrating the new year with several events. One of the events going on was the "Suwa-Ryu Houyou Jyutsu", which means "Suwa-style Falconry Method". The traditional meaning of "Houyou" (falconry) is to hunt by using hawks, but in today's event, they were showing an exhibition of how trained hawks can fly according to the instructions of the trainers.

In the beginning, it was pretty boring because the trainers and the hawks were just walking in circles.


However, there was a meaning to this, which was to get the hawks used to the environment they are in. Hawks, supposedly, are very naive, sensitive animals which may get intimidated easily. Supposedly, the trainers have to make sure not take their hats off in front of the hawks, in order to not scare them.

After they finished walking in circles, it was announced that one group of 1 hawk and 2 trainers will leave the park, to head to the Dentsu Building nearby, to prepare for the main event of the exhibition: the hawk will fly from the top of the building, to the park!


While we were waiting for that group to head over to the building, we watched some small shows. For a hawk to fly from the instructors hand to the tree nearby, for a hawk to fly to an audience's hand to another audience's hand. By the way, there is a cultural saying in Japan, that it is good luck to see a hawk in the first dream of the new year. Although this exhibition is not technically a dream, many audience gathered to see this "lucky exhibition" featuring the hawk.

After several small shows went on, the group which left for the Dentsu Building was ready. After several counts, amazingly, the hawk was able to fly towards the park from such a far distance.


However, maybe because there were many black crows challenging the hawk to a turf war in the air, the hawk was not able to fly immediately to the nearest tree, and it kept flying to other trees.











Finally, after several tries, the hawk was able to fly back to the trainer, and the show ended.


Although it is not the season for major flowers to bloom, there were still some flowers to enjoy.
 

Also a nice cup of matcha to enjoy in the relaxing tea house.

Seasonal Traditions: Kadomatsu

 

Before the new year starts, pairs of Kadomatsu (literally means "gate pine") will be seen everywhere in Japan, in front of the entrances of homes, stores, and buildings. The Kadomatsu is placed as a sign to welcome the Toshigami (god celebrated at the beginning of the new year), so that the Toshigami will not get lost. The Kadomatsu is said to be a Yorishiro (object which divine spirits are drawn to), and is one of the most important decorations of the new year.

A typical Kadomatsu is made from pine and 3 bamboos which represent heaven, humanity, and earth. They are placed in pairs as to represent man and woman.

It is important that the Kadomatsu is decorated before the new year, especially better before Dec. 28th. It is said to be bad omen to decorate on the 29th, because 29 can be called "Ku Matsu", and its pronunciation reminds a bad meaning: "Ku = suffer", "Matsu = waits". Decorating on the 31st is also not good, because it is thought to be disrespectful to welcome the god just one day prior to the New Year.