マツ
マツ

マツ

  • Pine
  • マツ科マツ属
  • 日本

日本に根付き、文化を象徴する木

万葉集に詠まれるなど古来から日本を代表する木の一つ。冬でも青々とした葉を付ける松は不老長寿の象徴とされ、同じく冬でも青い竹、冬に花を咲かせる梅と合わせ縁起のいい植物として松竹梅とまとめられる。また、魔除けになったり神が降りてきたりする樹としても珍重され、正月飾りの門松には神を出迎えるという意味がある。硬くて丈夫で艶が良いので、階段材、床材など強さを求めるものや柱や梁、建築材に使用される。

A tree deeply rooted in Japan and emblematic of its culture

One of Japan’s signature trees since ancient times, the pine is even celebrated in the Man’yōshū. Because it stays green even in winter, it is considered a symbol of longevity and immortality. Together with bamboo, which also remains green in winter, and plum blossoms, which bloom in winter, it forms the auspicious trio known as shōchikubai—the pine, bamboo, and plum. Pines are also prized as trees that ward off evil and serve as places where the gods descend. This is why kadomatsu, the pine decorations displayed at New Year’s, are said to welcome the gods. Their wood is hard, durable, and lustrous, making it suitable for applications that require strength, such as stairs and flooring, as well as for pillars, beams, and other building materials.