Year of the Horse Shimenawa – Strength and Renewal 2026
Year of the Horse Shimenawa – Strength and Renewal 2026
Couldn't load pickup availability
The horse holds a special place in Japanese tradition, symbolizing vitality, progress, and dynamic energy. In the zodiac cycle, 2026 is the Year of the Horse—an animal seen as a bearer of strength, endurance, and forward movement.
This beautifully woven Shimenawa captures that spirit with its bold, powerful form. Handcrafted from natural rice straw, it honors the centuries-old custom of hanging sacred ropes at entrances to invite good fortune and keep away misfortune.
The Japanese zodiac (Eto) follows a 12-year cycle, each year represented by an animal with distinct qualities. The horse embodies momentum and freedom, reminding us to step forward with courage and confidence in times of change.
Hang this Zodiac Shimenawa in your home as both a seasonal ornament and a symbol of renewal—an expression of gratitude for the past year and a hopeful welcome to the year 2026.
Size: 30 × 20 cm
Material: Rice straw
Non-EU deliveries: Please note that additional VAT, customs duties, or local taxes may apply upon import.
Warazaiku – Japanese Straw Craft
Where it comes from
Warazaiku, the art of weaving straw by hand, has been practiced in Japan for centuries. Deeply rooted in Shinto tradition, straw ropes and amulets have long served as symbols of purity, protection, and connection to the divine.
Still today, they are found at shrines, sacred trees, and entrances to homes—marking boundaries between the spiritual and the everyday.
Manufacturing
In the remote mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, where rice is cultivated in steep terraced fields, a small number of craftsmen continue this tradition.
They grow their own straw, harvest it by hand, and weave each form slowly and deliberately—shapes that carry quiet wishes: cranes and turtles for longevity, sacred knots for harmony, ropes to mark sacred space.
These are not decorative objects. They are fragments of living culture—handmade with reverence, to accompany daily life with subtle meaning.
Care Instructions
Warazaiku is made from natural rice straw and is intended for indoor use.
Hang or place your piece in a clean, dry space - entryways, walls, altars, or shelves. Avoid humid environments like bathrooms or unventilated kitchens.
Gently remove dust with a soft brush or dry cloth. Do not use water or cleaning agents, as moisture may cause mold.
Over time, the straw will gradually shift in tone from green-gold to a soft beige. This natural patina is part of its quiet beauty.
Please note: These items are handmade from living material. Minor variations in color, texture, or form are signs of their authenticity.
