Traditional Customs of Hanging Kusatsu Ropes

For the more traditional families, on January 1 of each year, it is customary to clean up before New Year's Eve, hang grass ropes and tangerines at the door, and tie a "shirin-no-kuri" rope around the door, which used to be a decoration in front of a shrine to symbolize the separation of the divine realm and the outside world. It symbolizes that the gods will protect the family and bless the new year with their blessings.

This custom spread from China to Japan, where it was described in Yan Zhiwei's "Yan's Family Traditions" (顏氏家训), written by Yan Zhiwei (颜之推). The custom was spread from China to Japan, and Yan Zhiwei of the Northern Qi Dynasty wrote "Yan's Family Tradition. Children and grandchildren fleeing, not at home; painting tile book symbols, for the aversion to victory; funeral out of the day, in front of the door Ran (burning) fire, outdoor columns of ash, purify and send home ghosts, chapters off the note even. Where so than, not close to the feelings, is the Confucian sinner, the bullet should be added." Which chapter off the Note Lian refers to the use of bamboo and Note Lian rope to draw the area, and then drive away the ghosts to avoid the brake, in order to ensure that the residence is not haunted by ghosts, not fire.