Tassels

Black tassel; it symbolises winter and the god Genbu, the snake encircled God of the North and god of water.

Green tassel; symbolises spring and the god Seiryu, the dragon God of the East.

Red tassel; symbolises summer and the god Shujaku, the red sparrow God of the South.

White tassel symbolises autumn and Byakko, the white tiger God of the West.

A purple bunting draped at the top of the roof symbolizes the drifting of the clouds, with it traditionally being hung around the roof in accordance with the changing of the seasons, starting with black for winter. The rotation of the seasons was integral with religious rites and rituals.