Kadomatsu: A New Year’s Tradition on Kaua‘i

Kadomatsu, a traditional Japanese New Year’s decoration, has become a familiar seasonal sight across Hawai‘i.  Made primarily of bamboo and pine, kadomatsu is revered today for its symbolism of resilience, growth, and good fortune.  Each December, Garden Ponds Nursery in Kīlauea makes kadomatsu for the community and provides kadomatsu-making sessions for those that are interested in learning. 

What Is Kadomatsu?

Kadomatsu—literally “gate pine”—is an arrangement featuring:

• Three pieces of bamboo cut to different heights
• Sprigs of pine, often complemented by seasonal plants such as plum blossoms or flowering kale

The differing bamboo heights traditionally represent heaven, humanity, and earth, emphasizing balance and aspiration for the coming year.

While the decoration originated in Japan, it has become a widely appreciated New Year’s custom throughout Hawai‘i—often adopted simply as a meaningful, nature-based way to set intentions for the year ahead.

Symbolism of the Materials

The elements that make up kadomatsu carry offer unique properties and intentions for the year ahead.

Pine:
Valued for its longevity and sturdiness, pine symbolizes endurance and reliability. On Kaua‘i, Japanese Sugi Pine (Cryptomeria japonica) is well known in Kōke‘e, where it was planted in the late 1800s for erosion control and windbreaks.  Its association with strength, makes it a fitting component.

Bamboo:
Known for rapid, upright growth and the ability to bend without breaking, bamboo represents resilience, flexibility, and vitality.  The stems may be cut straight or on a diagonal, depending on preferred style.  The three lengths of bamboo represent heaven, humanity, and earth.

Seasonal Additions:

• Plum blossoms are admired for blooming early in the year, symbolizing perseverance, and winter-hardiness.
• Flowering kale adds color and texture, and its layered rosettes are seen as a nod toward layered or increasing prosperity.

How and When Kadomatsu Is Used

Kadomatsu is typically placed outdoors by the entrance of a home or business. The arrangement acts as a marker of welcome and a traditional symbol of preparing for the new year.

General guidelines for placement include:

• Placement window: December 13–28
• Avoid December 29: Considered an inauspicious date in traditional practice
• Avoid December 31: Seen as too last-minute
• Removal (via burning or sprinkling salt and disposing): After January 7

If burning the arrangement after use is not possible, sprinkling it with salt before disposal is considered an acceptable alternative. 

Kadomatsu on Kaua‘i

On Kaua‘i, kadomatsu has become part of the island’s diverse New Year landscape.  Many display it as a seasonal decoration that reflects values of natural beauty, renewal, and positive intentions for the year ahead.

At Garden Ponds Nursery, kadomatsu preparation has become a hands-on learning experience for those eager to learn of all ages.  We host workshops that allow participants to understand the components, craft their own arrangements, and learn how to place and care for them.  Last year, we were fortunate to be able to bring kadomatsu making to Kilauea School students at their craft night.  Garden Ponds delights in helping to introduce (or refresh) students on plant materials, craft skills, and the meaning behind this seasonal tradition.  Students were able to bring home a kadomatsu arrangement of their own, to share the intent of goodwill for the coming year with their families.

Carrying the Tradition Forward

While kadomatsu has deep historic roots, its modern appeal lies in its universal themes: welcoming a fresh start, appreciating nature, and marking the transition into a new year with intention.

Garden Ponds Nursery offers kadomatsu arrangements each December for sale and welcomes community members of all backgrounds to participate in its workshops.  Call to arrange a time to come make kadomatsu.

The nursery staff extends its thanks to customers and supporters who continue to help keep this delightful seasonal tradition alive on Kaua‘i. 

Garden Ponds Kīlauea, Kaua‘i 5-2719 Kuhio Hwy, 808-828-6400 www.gardenpondskauai.com ~Inspiring outdoor sanctuaries since 1996~

We are located at the Kilauea Jungle Oasis beside Anaina Hou Community Park and Mini Golf.  We are open Wednesday through Friday 12-5pm and Saturdays at 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.