Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - New Years
Seasonality: Mid-Late Winter/ December & January
Japanese Name: Madai & Sho-Chiki-Bai
English Name: Red Sea-bream & the “Three Friends of Winter”
Red sea bream is a name given to at least two species of fish of the family Sparidae, Pagrus major and Pagellus bogaraveo. In Japan, Pagrus major is known as madai (真鯛, or "genuine tai") and is prized both for its flavor and for its traditional use as an auspicious food often served at New Year's and festive occasions such as weddings.
The Three Friends of Winter, also known as Suihan Sanyou in Chinese or Sho-Chiku-Bai in Japanese, symbolize the pine, bamboo, and plum. The Chinese observed that the pine, bamboo and plum do not wither as the cold days deepen into the winter season unlike many other plants. Known by them as the Three Friends of Winter, they entered the conventions of East Asian culture. Together they symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. They are highly regarded in Confucianism and as such represent the scholar-gentleman's ideal.
(Text Source 1)(Text Source 2)
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