also: まつかえ
Refers to evergreen trees, especially pines and cypresses, as a category. Often used in literary or poetic contexts.
松柏は冬でも緑を保つ。
Pines and cypresses stay green even in winter.
Figurative use derived from the evergreen nature of pines and cypresses, symbolizing unwavering loyalty or steadfastness. Rare in modern Japanese.
彼の松柏の節操は皆の模範だった。
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.