# Pine tree

松 matsu

![Pine tree](https://www.furoshiki.com/motifs/matsu.svg)

Evergreen and long-lived, the pine stands for longevity and steadfastness; it leads the Three Friends of Winter and decorates the New Year.

Ancient Japanese New Year rites; Chinese 'Three Friends of Winter'

Pine was the traditional material of the kadomatsu, the New Year gate decoration set out as a resting place (yorishiro) for the year god who brings the harvest. As an evergreen it also heads the Chinese-derived 'Three Friends of Winter', called shōchikubai in Japan, where pine ranks highest. On formal kimono pine often appears with cranes and tortoises as a wish for long life.

Kadomatsu are still put out in pairs at New Year and burned after mid-January to send the god off.

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Source: https://www.furoshiki.com/motifs/matsu/