We are told that the principal kinds of pine are the Pinus Thunbergia, known by the Japanese as the black or male pine; Pinus densiflora, called the red or female pine; and Pinus parviflora. There appear to be many different ways of arranging the pine branches, but in all cases they are left as much as possible in their natural state; a favourite treatment is that of a broad stump cut off horizontally, with a thick twisted branch springing from its base. Pinus parviflora, on account of the straightness and delicacy of its leaves, is often arranged in a simple vertical style, using the sprays; but for compositions with other species of the tree, thick gnarled branches are preferred. Mr. Conder also tells us of a pretty and poetical arrangement in connection with wedding ceremonies—
At wedding feasts a double arrangement in a pair of similar standing vases is employed. For this purpose a branch of the male pine is placed in one vessel, and a branch of the female pine in the other. The general form of each design would be similar, but the branch of the female pine facing the opposite vase should stretch a little beneath the corresponding branch of the male pine. These together are called the “Destiny-uniting” branches, and the complete design is said to typify eternal union.
In another passage he tells us how faithfully they reproduce the effect of the forest as—
Occasionally in suspended arrangements of pine, long stiff threads are hung from the branches, in conventional imitation of the parasitic grasses which attach themselves to this tree; and in disposing such threads, their balance into groups of three, five, or seven irregular lengths is carefully attended to.
Another very favourite form of fancy arrangement is called the “Fuji pine,” as in such a composition a branch is bent to resemble the outline of Mount Fuji, and is combined with other branches and foliage in such a manner as to give the profile of the bare conical peak, and suggest at the same time the wooded country at its base.
Yet another form of pine decoration is the Kadomatsu or pair of gate pines, which are the most important decorations in front of every house at the New Year; the first seven days of the year are called Matsu no uchi or “Within the Pines.” The origin of these Kadomatsu dates as far back as eight hundred and fifty years. One of the old Kadomatsu poets says—
Kadomatsu no, itonami tatsuru sono hodoni
Haru akegatatano yoya narinuran.
(While busy decorating the pines at the gate,
The dawn of the New Year speedily comes.)
The pines in front of the gates are placed in pairs—the rougher and more prickly one, called Thunbergi or male pine, on the left, which is the side of honour in Japan; the softer and more graceful one, P. densiflora or the female pine, on the right. The custom of adding bamboo is of more recent origin; and the other decorations include a rope, especially named shimenawa, with strips of white paper, a cray fish, ferns, a large orange called dai dai, a leaf or two of an evergreen tree, dried persimmons, dried chestnuts, etc. Each one of these articles has its own peculiar origin, and is a symbol of good luck for the year and for life. The poet Ikku Zenzi writes—
At every door the pine-trees stand,
One mile-post more to the spirit land;
And as there’s gladness, so there’s sadness.