Why do people in Japan buy rakes at the end of the year?
The arrival of the New Year in Japan is rife with symbolism, and the purchase of kumade is no exception.
In Japan, the rakes are bought at the end of the year at the Tori No Ichi Festival. This country is home to numerous annual events with an ancient pedigree.
Dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), the markets are held at temples and shrines where people go to wish for happiness, good fortune, and success in business. The markets are famous for the brightly decorated bamboo rakes called kumade that are sold there.
More Info:
web-japan.org
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5 Comments
georgie
These are believed to "rake up" and "sweep in" good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Joris van Pelt
Old kumade rakes are burned to mark the end of their sacred role
Kumade means “bear’s hand” and refers to good-luck rakes because people want to “rake in as much wealth and good fortune as possible.”
johnbheymann
Old Kumade rakes are burnt at the end of the year to indicate the end of their sacred role .
deborahpmercer
I didn't know this - interesting. I don't mean that my not knowing it was interesting!
earlepg
Darlene Davidson, A good reason to add the phrase (stated in the article) that the "brightly decorated charm (is) believed to bring good fortune" in the discussion.