Naturally dried leaves of wild-growing mako (Zizania latifolia) from Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, cultivated without pesticides or fertilizers. This item is a shimenawa (sacred rope) made from mako, with a three-strand design, tied with seima (purified hemp) cord, and artificial camellia, sakaki, and fern. Use it throughout the year, not just for the New Year, but also in your entryway, room, or car. The shimenawa originally signifies a "boundary," a marker indicating a sacred space. As mako embodies the meaning of boundaries and purification, it is recommended as a charm for warding off evil and purification. *Due to the nature of mako, the lengths may vary and it may be prone to breaking, so the craftsmanship is not of high quality. The value lies in the use of mako, which has been cherished by Japanese people since ancient times and considered sacred. *Mako has excellent purifying properties and is said to calm the mind and promote relaxation just by placing it in a room. Width: 13 cm, Height: 30 cm ~What is Mako?~ It is said that when there were no plants on Earth, Susanoo first planted mako on the ground. Therefore, mako is used for the shimenawa of shrines across Japan that enshrine Susanoo, including Izumo Taisha. The shimenawa of Ise Jingu Shrine uses "asa" (hemp). Furthermore, there is a Buddhist story that says the Buddha treated the sick by having them lie on a rush mat woven from mako. This is why "bon goza" (bon rush mats) and "bon fune" (bon boats) woven from mako are offered during the Obon festival. Mako has been deeply connected to the Japanese people since ancient times and is treated as a sacred grass and a spiritual grass.