笹
Meanings
1
bamboo grass; small bamboo
Refers to small, running bamboo species (genus Sasa and similar) that do not shed their leaf sheaths; common in Japanese gardens, forests, and as a motif.
Bamboo grass is growing thickly in the corner of the garden.
For Tanabata, we decorate bamboo grass leaves with strips of paper on which we write wishes.
Usage patterns
- 笹の葉で〈物〉を包むto wrap something in bamboo-grass leaves
Chimaki rice dumplings are made by wrapping them in bamboo-grass leaves.
- 笹に願い事を書いて飾るto write a wish and hang it on bamboo grass (Tanabata custom)
For Tanabata, people write wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo grass.