pine shoot pulled out during ne-no-hi-no-asobi
A traditional New Year's custom: a young pine shoot pulled from the ground on the first Day of the Rat (子の日) as part of the ne-no-hi-no-asobi (子の日の遊び) celebration, symbolizing longevity and good fortune.
See also: 子の日の遊び
The pine shoot pulled on the Day of the Rat has long been regarded as a symbol of longevity.
Compound of 子の日 (ne no hi, 'Day of the Rat', the first day of the Rat in the traditional calendar) and 松 (matsu, 'pine'). The pine shoot was pulled as part of the ne-no-hi-no-asobi custom to wish for long life.