Naturally dried leaves of wild-growing mako (Zizania latifolia) from Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, cultivated without pesticides or fertilizers. This product is a shimenawa (sacred straw rope) made from mako, with a mizuna (three-strand rope) design, tied with seima (purified hemp) cords, and artificial nanten (heavenly 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 embodies the meaning of boundaries and purification, it is recommended as a talisman for warding off evil and purification. Due to the nature of mako, the lengths may be uneven and prone to breakage, so the craftsmanship may not be perfect. The value lies in using 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 at Izumo Taisha Shrine and other shrines across Japan that enshrine Susanoo. The shimenawa at 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 mako-woven mushiro (sleeping mat), which is why "bon goza" (bon 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 herb.