Winter clothes

Lots of things change as we approach winter in Hokkaido. We get our winter gear out as the temperatures plunge and the snow begins to fall. However, winter clothes are not just for us humans. Smaller trees and bushes are meticulously tied up with rope and sticks in a kind of pyramid shape to protect them from the weight of the snow. And the other day we noticed something we have never seen before in Japan - a grave all dressed up in its winter clothes. As you can see from the photo, the little bushes at the front have been carefully tied up. But each part of the grave, including the large tomb stone is now enveloped in its own cover, each one presumably made to size. The graveyards here simply fill up with snow over the winter months so it is not possible to use them during that time. After cremation the bones of a deceased are placed in a casket and then later on buried in the family grave. During the winter months the bones must be stored elsewhere (often in the home) until the snow has gone and the grave can be used again. Yes, winter brings many changes to Hokkaido - in life and in death.