[Mentaiju News] has started ✨

Starting today, Mentaiju will be bringing you a mini column[News from Mentaiko-ju]The serialization has started!
In order to allow you to enjoy the Hakata specialty "Ganso Hakata Mentaiju" even more,
We will deliver column-style information on our thoughts as a mentaiko specialty restaurant, trivia, tourist information about Fukuoka, and more.
The first commemorative issue is about plum blossoms.

【News from Mentaiko-juu
Mentaiko is said to be a lucky charm for the prosperity of descendants.
This time, we will talk about plum blossoms, which are also auspicious flowers, in the hope that good things will come to you all.

Plum blossoms herald the arrival of spring.
It is said that due to its robust vitality, which allows it to appear beautifully sooner than any other flower, it has also been favored as a lucky charm for praying for longevity.

It is also said that "if you plant a plum tree on your property, its fragrance will ward off evil spirits," and that it will help prevent disasters and ward off evil spirits.


■ PlumProverbs related to
・"Seasoning" balance
Plum vinegar is used as a seasoning in cooking, and its sour and salty taste enhances the flavor of the food.
It was used in that sense.

Nowadays, a good match is called "good balance."

・"Shochikubai"
The plants "pine," "bamboo," and "plum" grow well even during the harsh cold of winter,
It is considered to be a symbol of good luck and good fortune.

This word is used at auspicious events such as wedding receptions and New Year's Kadomatsu decorations.
The pine tree represents "eternal life," the bamboo represents "sincerity," and the plum tree represents "success and good fortune."


■Salted plum
Umeboshi have been treasured as a source of health since ancient times, so much so that there is a saying that goes, "One umeboshi keeps you away from the doctor."
"To be healthy until the wrinkles appear"It is said that this wish is also contained in the name.
It also contains a lot of citric acid, which helps flush out waste products that have accumulated in the body.


■ Flower language
One of the meanings of the plum blossom is "faithfulness."
The background to this is the "Flying Plum Legend" about Sugawara no Michizane, who is enshrined as the god of learning.
In the past, Sugawara no Michizane was demoted to Dazaifu in Kyushu because his talents were disliked.
At this time, the plum tree that Michizane had been cherishing in his garden apparently flew to Dazaifu, where he was.
From this story, the plum blossom's flower language was given the title "historical fact."

Incidentally, the Tobiume tree is considered a sacred tree at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Sugawara no Michizane.
Tobiume is said to be in full bloom from early to mid-February.

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Although it's still cold, the season to enjoy plum blossoms is just around the corner!
With the arrival of spring, may good fortune come to you all.

This time we have brought you information about "Plum Blossoms". Please look forward to the next article.