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 nanten (Japanese sacred bamboo), sakaki (Cleyera japonica), and ferns. 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 is believed to have the power of purification and creating a boundary, 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 finished product is not of high quality. The value lies in the use of mako, which has been cherished and considered sacred by Japanese people since ancient times. *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 ~About Mako~ It is said that Susanoo first planted mako on Earth when there were no other plants. Therefore, mako is used for the shimenawa of shrines across Japan that enshrine Susanoo, including Izumo Taisha Shrine. The shimenawa of Ise Jingu Shrine uses "asa" (hemp). Furthermore, there is a Buddhist story that says that the Buddha treated a sick person by having them lie on a mako-woven mushiro (bed). Because of this, it is said that "bon goza" (mako mats) and "bon fune" (mako boats) woven from mako are offered during the Obon festival. Mako has been deeply connected with Japanese people since ancient times and is treated as a sacred grass and a spiritual grass.