Yoshiwara Picture Book of New Year’s Festivities 1804

Kitagawa Utamaro crafted this diptych woodblock print around the late 18th century, offering a glimpse into New Year's festivities. Note the pine tree prominently displayed in both panels. This wasn't just any tree; it was a symbol of resilience, longevity, and renewal, deeply rooted in Japanese culture as an emblem of steadfastness and divine favor, especially during New Year. The Shimekazari, a sacred rice straw rope adorned with ferns and citrus, surrounds the tree, a ritual object warding off evil spirits and inviting good fortune for the coming year. The act of adorning the tree becomes a symbolic gesture of renewal. Think of the ancient Roman custom of decking homes with evergreen boughs during the winter solstice. These customs tap into humanity's subconscious desire for reassurance as they faced the uncertainties of the changing seasons. Utamaro's print reminds us that even in a floating world, certain symbols endure, constantly shifting in meaning, yet forever tethered to the threads of collective memory.