Ume (梅), the Japanese plum blossom, holds a significant place in Japanese culture, often overshadowed by the more globally renowned cherry blossoms or sakura. Understanding the allure and symbolism of the ume can provide a deeper appreciation of the country's rich traditions and poetic sensibilities.
source: National Diet Library Digital Collections
While sakura may be the best-known icon of spring in Japan, it is important to recognize that historically, ume held a more revered status, particularly among the nobility. Classical Japanese poetry often featured verses celebrating the delicate beauty of the ume blossom, which was cherished and admired more than sakura blossoms in ancient times. One of the distinctive features of ume poetry is its association with snow, a symbol of winter, juxtaposed against the arrival of spring. This contrast between the lingering cold of winter and the budding warmth of spring amplifies the joy and anticipation of the changing seasons, making the ume blossom a powerful emblem of renewal and hope.
The popularity of ume in ancient Japan can be attributed in part to its origins from China. As a relatively new introduction to Japan at the time, the ume blossom captivated people's imaginations with its exotic allure and delicate fragrance. Its novelty and beauty made it a prized symbol among the aristocracy, elevating it to a status rivaling even the revered cherry blossoms.
In traditional Chinese arts, known as "three friends of winter (歳寒三友)," plum blossoms hold a place of distinction along with pine trees and bamboo. Because pine trees are evergreen, they have the meaning of "longevity and prolonging one's life" as they retain their green leaves even in the cold of winter. Bamboo is said to symbolize "growth and vitality" as it is a plant that does not break easily. Plum trees have been considered a symbol of "longevity and nobility" because they are the first to bloom beautiful and fragrant flowers in spring, even when the trees are so old that moss has grown on them. The concept of the "three friends of winter" was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185), where it gradually gained popularity and evolved into a symbol of good fortune for celebrations and other auspicious occasions.
Over time, the pine, bamboo, and plum trees became deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, representing enduring values and aspirations cherished by the Japanese people. Sugawara Michizane, one of Japan's most famous ancient sages, was a great admirer of the Japanese plum tree. For this reason, shrines dedicated to Michizane use the plum tree as their crest (for instance, Kitano Tenmanngu in Kyoto).
A Tenjin shrine enshrined Michizane in Nada, Kobe City, Hyogo. The ume crest is on the lantarn at the entrance.
Beyond its symbolism and poetic allure, the ume blossom also plays a practical role in Japanese society. Ume trees are cultivated for their fruit, which is used to make a variety of traditional foods and beverages, including umeboshi (pickled plums) and umeshu (plum wine). These culinary delights are enjoyed year-round, further embedding the ume tree into the fabric of Japanese culinary culture.
Exploring the beauty and symbolism of the ume blossom offers a glimpse into Japan's rich artistic traditions and profound connection to the natural world. Just as the ume heralds the arrival of spring, its timeless elegance continues to inspire poets, artists, and admirers alike, bridging the gap between past and present, and inviting all to savor the fleeting beauty of each blossom.
In front of one of the famous sake breweries "Fukuju", Ume is in full bloom.
Explore Enchanting Locations in Nature
<Location> Higashi-nada ku, Kobe
How to get there from Osaka/Kyoto
Take either Hankyu railway to Okamoto station or JR to Settsu-Motoyama station.
It is 10 min walk from the stations to the park.
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