The "kumade" New Year decoration

I have been introducing some of the common Japanese New Year decorations over the last couple of weeks. In this post, my personal favourite, the "kumade" or lucky rake as its called in English. Literally it means, "bear's paw". 

A lucky rake is so named because it is an actual rake, but not one that is used by farmers, but instead for "raking in" wealth, health and good fortune in the New Year. They are usually adorned with the Seven Lucky gods, as in the picture in this post, to add to the talisman powers. They also feature other auspicious items like sea bream and rice bales.

Unlike the other new year decorations I've introduced thus far (kadomatsu, kagami mochi and Shimekazari), I don't see lucky rakes on sale at supermarkets. They are most commonly sold at special Tori no Ichi, or equivalent, new year markets / festivals. Thankfully in Kawagoe, several of the shrines and temples sell them throughout the month of January. They aren't cheap. The one in this photo is 7000 yen. You can get smaller ones for about a 1000 yen. 

Do you like lucky rakes? Have you or will you get one this year?