also: すぎたま
sakabayashi; cedar ball hung at sake breweries
A traditional ornament made from bundled Japanese cedar sprigs, hung under the eaves of sake breweries to indicate that new sake is ready. Also known as 杉玉 (すぎたま).
See also: 杉玉
A new sakabayashi was hung under the eaves of the sake brewery.
While the sakabayashi is still green, the new sake is not yet ready.
Standard kanji spelling for the traditional sake brewery ornament.
Common alternative name for the same ornament; literally 'cedar ball'.
Compound of 酒 (sake) and 林 (grove, forest), referring to the ball of cedar sprigs that resembles a small forest. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it has been used since the Edo period as a sign of new sake.