Microseason: Bears Hibernate

WINTER

SNOWFALL

BEARS HIBERNATE

11 - 15 December

As the bears begin to hibernate, so do we prepare for the end of the year. From the 13th December, preparations for the New Year get underway. First is deep cleaning, eliminating negative or unnecessary actions or thoughts we accumulated across the year, and dusting off the debris, literally and figuratively.

Matsu is a powerful material, used across all aspects of Japanese living. Firstly, it is the tree of the gods. And its place in Japanese culture goes beyond the practical. The men of the community whose birth years coincide with this year’s zodiac, go into the mountains toward the year’s energetically-divine cardinal direction to forage for suitable pine branches to grace the entryways of homes.These kadomatsu, or corner pines, serve as markers so that the New Years gods know where they are welcome to spend the holidays.

It is a vital material in wood-fired kilns, its ash creating uniquely thick and abstract glazes. Matsu is a common motif in the paintings, embroidery, and weaving of textiles. And it is also a material used in furniture and as architectural material.

In construction, matsu is selected for its strength and durability. Compared to other types of wood, matsu has a higher oil content, making it more flexible and resilient. This is a particularly favorable trait in a country that is experiences frequent earthquakes. Rather than vertical pillers, it is commonly used as horizontal structural materials such as beams and girders that support the weight of the roof. And with a low thermal conductivity, matsu provides a comfortable temperature, helping to keep spaces cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter.

Some of the most common types of regional matsu found across Japan include:

• Kuromatsu (Black Pine)

• Akamatsu (Red Pine)

• Todomatsu

• Himekomatsu

• Ryukyumatsu

Photo credit: Momoko Nakamura