「南天」

南天

南天は平安時代に薬用、観賞用として中国から伝来しました。
「難を転ずる」の語呂から、災難や難関を転じるという意味を持つことや、冬でも濃い緑が茂っている様子や赤い実をつけることから縁起物として好まれ、現代でも正月の花飾りや漢方薬として使われています。

Nanten (Heavenly Bamboo)

During the Heian period, the heavenly bamboo was imported from China for medicinal use and as an ornament. The phrase “Nan wo Tenjiru” (turn bad fortune into good fortune) has a pleasing sound. Also, the plant name means turning away from misfortune and difficulties. Finally, the plant grows dark green in the winter and produces red fruit. Accordingly, the plant is appreciated as a lucky charm, and even in the present age, it is used as a floral decoration during the New Year and as Chinese herbal medicine.