This is a Setsubun swag to ward off evil spirits, to be displayed in the entryway after removing the New Year's decorations, around the Little New Year (January 15th). Red is considered a color that wards off evil, so this is a farmer's unique decoration, lavishly using red rice ears of rice harvested at home last autumn. In honor of the Year of the Horse, a straw craft of a horse with a chili pepper to ward off evil spirits hanging from its neck has been added. Since ancient times, it has been believed that demons (frightening events beyond human imagination) come during Setsubun, the changing of the seasons, and there is a custom of decorating with holly with sardine heads to ward off evil spirits. The idea is to keep evil spirits away by displaying prickly things at the entrance. This is a simple swag without excessive decoration, bound with the wish that everyone will have a good year. Both the rice ears and chili peppers are completely domestically produced (made in Yamaguchi Prefecture) materials grown at home. Meaning of the flower materials: Holly Nandina: Prickly leaves ward off evil spirits Red Rice: Symbol of harvest and abundant crops Chili Pepper: Wards off evil, protects against misfortune, amulet Soybeans: Praying for good health from the sound of "ma-me" (demon destruction) As it is a natural product, it will gradually dry out and take on a different texture, but we hope you will enjoy the change in atmosphere. Shipping will be via Mercari Mail (Nekopos). To offer it at an affordable price, we will bend the tips of the ears of rice and ship them in a 3cm thick Nekopos box, so please fluff them up when they arrive. Size: Approximately 37cm tall, approximately 10cm wide