noun
sacred wooden pole used in Koshōgatsu ceremonies
A decorated pole used in traditional Little New Year (小正月) rituals, often associated with prayers for a good harvest.
See also: 小正月
小正月には、村人が祝い棒を立てて豊作を祈る。
During Koshōgatsu, the villagers erect a sacred pole to pray for a good harvest.
The festival (Little New Year) during which 祝い棒 is used; 祝い棒 is the physical object, while 小正月 is the event.
Compound of 祝い (celebration) and 棒 (pole). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is a traditional implement in Koshōgatsu folk rituals.