杉すぎ玉だま

noun

sugidama; cedar ball hung at sake breweries

A traditional ball made from the sprigs of Japanese cedar (sugi), hung under the eaves of sake breweries to indicate that new sake has been brewed. It starts green and gradually turns brown, signaling the maturation of the sake.

• 酒さか蔵ぐらの軒のき先さきに杉すぎ玉だまが吊つるされている。

  A sugidama is hung under the eaves of the sake brewery.

• 杉すぎ玉だまが青あお々あおとしているうちは、新しん酒しゅの季き節せつだ。

  While the sugidama is still green, it's the season for new sake.