tree symbolism in Japan

[rheasilvia]

What kinds of meanings or qualities are associated with various kinds of trees in Japan? Apart from the well-known symbolism of sakura (and - I think - plum and maple in a similar meaning of transience, transient beauty, mortality, and the like?), I've been unable to find any information on this

Comments

[orthent]

There's the legend about Sugawara no Michizane in exile: the cherry tree in his garden withered in grief at his absence, the plum tree uprooted itself and went to him, and, when he wrote a poem reproaching it for its disloyalty, the pine tree followed.

[rheasilvia]

That's a lovely legend! :-) Thank you - it doesn't directly help with the tree symbolism, but it's still very nice.

[iriththedreamer]

The Tale of Genji addresses a lot of plant symbolism, and a good translation with a lot of footnotes points things out. Off the top of my head I think pine trees are used a lot to symbolize longevity, but other than that I'd suggest checking out The Tale of Genji (which is fun to read anyhow.) http://www.amazon.com/Tale-Genji-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/014243714X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282963411&sr=8-3 This is the copy I have.

[rheasilvia]

Ah, good idea - I've been meaning to check out The Tale of Genji anyway. Thanks for the tip!

[hollow_promise]

The only one I can think of off the top of my head is 'matsu', or pine tree, as a symbol of longevity and endurance. You may want to start researching 季語 (kigo, or 'seasonal words'). These are words that are used in traditional poetry, like haiku and renga, and a lot of them are nature-based symbols (various seasonal trees and flowers, etc.) Good luck!

[rheasilvia]

Ah, that's a good idea - I'll do that! Thank you. :-)

[rheasilvia]

Hm... I'll keep it in mind! Hopefully I'll find a ressource that will be able to verify it at some pojnt. :-) Thank you!

[full_metal_ox]

The plum is also associated with courage--because it often blooms long before the risk of snow has ended--and constancy, because the blossoms remain on the tree notably longer than the cherry, which is a symbol of mono no aware, the sad transient beauty of existence.

[anonymous]

This page is about the ginko:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~kwanten/usage.htm

There might be more relevant stuff on the site - I didn't look.

[rheasilvia]

Ooh, that's a great gingko page - thank you! It doesn't seem to have any info on other trees, but now I do know about gingko. :-)