Brooms

Brooms have been used for cleaning in Japan since ancient times.
They are made of materials obtained from a variety of plants, such as bamboo, grass, hemp palm, etc.
As they are used to sweep away dirt, they have become associated with the concepts of "removing defilement" or "gathering happiness," resulting in them becoming regarded as good-luck symbols.
The Japanese word for broom is hoki, which resembles one of the names for the tutelary god for childbirth, so in the past, when a woman was pregnant she would often sleep with a broom upside down next to her pillow or would stroke her stomach with a broom.
This is a fact that is probably known to surprisingly few Japanese today.
There are many different types of brooms and it is useful to select the right one for the place where it is to be used.
They come in a variety of shapes, and are made of numerous different materials.
If you try using a handmade grass broom of traditional design, you will be amazed at its fineness and ability to trap every little piece of dirt.
You will find that while you are sweeping, you will be able to organize your emotions as well.
The toughness of a bamboo broom gives it the strength and fineness to sweep both concrete and earth.