Photos | Images of Japan: Making Shimekazari (New Year decorations)
Shimekazari (しめ飾り) are traditional Japanese New Year decorations made of straw that are hung outside the house or company building. Shinto in origin, shimekazari are lucky charms and mark a sacred area. Folded paper decorations and even oranges are hung from these seasonal festoons, which are a symbol of the oshogatsu (New Year) season in Japan.
Photos | Images of Japan: Making Shimekazari (New Year decorations)