noun
the three friends of winter
Refers to pine, bamboo, and plum as symbols of steadfastness and integrity in winter. A classical Chinese motif adopted into Japanese art and literature.
歳寒三友は、松、竹、梅の三つを指す。
The three friends of winter refer to pine, bamboo, and plum.
この掛け軸には歳寒三友が描かれている。
This hanging scroll depicts the three friends of winter.
From Chinese 歲寒三友 (suìhán sānyǒu), literally 'three friends of the cold season'. The phrase originates from classical Chinese literature and was later adopted into Japanese culture.