One rather odd custom at Shōgatsu-goto Hajime fell to men with the same zodiac animal sign as that current year's. They were responsible for collecting pine branches for New Year decorations (松迎え) from mountains positioned in that year's determined lucky direction.
#folklore
A tea ceremony water container decorated with horses. 2026 will be the Year of the Horse.
New Year decoration, designed to welcome the 'Year God' to the home at year's end.
A sprig of pine adorning a gate pillar, hung at New Year as both charm and decoration.
A sweet branded with a flaming 'hoju' (宝珠/火炎宝珠 'wish fulfilling jewel').