Shochikubai ( 松竹梅), Three Friends of Winter - plum blossom, pine tree, and bamboo - holds special significance in Japanese culture. Celebrated in East Asian cultures, particularly in China and Japan, the trio symbolises resilience during harsh winters. Moreover, these three motifs are closely related to the New Year celebrations.
The Japanese word for bat, komori (こうもり), is a homophone of the word komoru (こもる), which means to be protected or to be hidden. Wrapped around the body, bat motifs on kimono serve to ward off evil spirits and are seen as symbols of happiness and good fortune. Komori in Japan can also be interpreted through a play on words to mean “happiness comes”.
