Ume blossoms

Sakura (Cherry) blossom is coming up shortly in Japan. Before that, especially in late January and February Ume blossoms can be seen all over Japan. The Ume is a species of Asian plum in the family Rosaceae. The tree originates from China and was brought to Japan and Korea later. The tree is cultivated for its fruit and flowers. In Chinese, it is called mei or meizi. The Japanese name is ume while Korean name is maesil. The flowers are typically white though cultivars may have rose or deep red flowers.

Ume blossoms are often mentioned in Japanese poetry as a symbol of spring. Unlike the Japanese, however, the Chinese see the blossoms as more of a symbol for winter. It is precisely for this reason that the blossoms are so beloved, because they bloom most vibrantly amidst the winter snow, after other plants have shed their leaves, and before any other flowers appear. Because they blossom in winter, the ume, the pine, and the bamboo together have been called the “Three Friends of the Cold” .