Culturally, pine, bamboo, and plum[17] are regarded as linked in the context of winter because they flourish together at that season.[1]
Together they symbolize perseverance, integrity and modesty.[5]
In Japan the three plants are known as 'the three auspicious friends'
and are particularly associated with the start of the (lunar) New Year,
appearing on greeting cards and as a design stamped into seasonal
sweets.[21]
The three plants are also used in a traditional Japanese grading
system, with pine as the top, bamboo as the middle, and plum as the
lowest grade.
Every year, as the cold days deepen into the winter season, many plants
begin to wither. That the pine, bamboo and plum do not was noted by the
Chinese.[2] Known by them as Three Friends of Winter, they entered the conventions of East Asian art.[3][4]
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