Friday Flash..Hatsumode 2008 (part 2)

These photos below show some examples of New Year decorations or shimekazari which are hung on or over the front door.















There are many different designs but generally it is a rope or straw decoration from which a shide or white strip of paper hangs.















Shimekazari are hung on or over doors to both show the temporary residence of the God of the New Year or Toshigami who brings good luck and also to deter bad spirits from entering the home.