also: まつかえ
Refers to evergreen trees, especially pines and cypresses, as a category. Often used in literary or poetic contexts.
Figurative use derived from the evergreen nature of pines and cypresses, symbolizing unwavering loyalty or steadfastness. Rare in modern Japanese.
Pines and cypresses stay green even in winter.
His unwavering integrity, like that of pine and cypress, was a model for everyone.
Standard kanji form for the reading しょうはく.
Rare reading; しょうはく is the usual reading.
Compound of 松 (pine) and 柏 (cypress). The figurative sense of constancy comes from the trees' ability to stay green through winter.