Takara Josen Shochikubai Takujo Sake 松竹梅清酒 720ml

“Shō-Chiku-Bai” (松竹梅) is a three-part word that translates to mean “pine (松), bamboo (竹), plum (梅)”. Its origin is found in the Chinese phrase “saikansanyū,” which means “the three fellows of winter.” What this refers to is how all three of the shō-chiku-bai plants are strong enough to withstand the cold against cold, but in Japan the phrase developed in its own unique way and in time came to describe symbols of good fortune.

Even now, the shō-chiku-bai are foremost when creating kadomatsu decorations for the New Year, and they are also regularly featured in hanging scrolls, kamon family crests, and Japanese flower arrangements.