Japanese Plant Symbolism 

Pine / Sho (formal) / Matsu (common name):  A symbol of immortality.  It remains green throughout the year.  The city of Matsumoto translates to “source of pine.”  Matsu also means to wait.  You will see the pine as a back drop for Noh play in Japan, to indicate the presence of God, and that you are patiently waiting. 

Bamboo / Chiku (formal) / Take (common name):  The bamboo symbolizes endurance and strength.  The nodes or the joints indicate hardship that one experiences in life.  These difficulties build ones character and also shows that he/she can withstand even the strongest of winds without breaking. 

Plum / Bai (formal) / Ume (common name):  The plum tree is the first to bloom after a bitter, cold winter to indicate the coming of spring.  It symbolizes endurance and hope. 

Paulownia / Kiri (common name):  It is the Japanese Imperial Crest that precedes the present-day sixteen-petal chrysanthemum.  The tree is highly regarded for its light weightiness, moisture resistance and every part of the tree is useful. 

Tangerine Tree / Tachibana (common name):  Used as one of the trees for the Girls’ Day decoration.  It symbolizes as a means to purify all negativity. 

Nandina / Nanten (common name):  A highly respected, slow growing tree.  It is much sought after for a pillar for tokonoma, an alcove in Japanese houses.  The symbolism is to alter or deter any harm or difficulties to a favorable circumstance.  In the days of old when refrigeration was not available, the leaf of nanten adorned atop a dish at a gathering where meals were to be served.  It is believed by biting this nanten leaf before the food was consumed, it will act as antidote.  

Tree Peony / Botan (common name):  A dried sprig from the tree peony is used like an incense.  When it is burned, the fragrance fills the air.  The original tree peony came from China.  When the Lion Dance is performed in Japan, a tree peony always accompanies the scene.   

Sho Chiku Bai , the combination of these three plants always adorn the entrance of a home, business, and other public places during the New Year celebration in Japan every where.