Spring Signs from Japan: The Story of Sanshoku-Dango (三色団子)

It's slowly getting warmer here in Germany too, and you can feel that spring is coming. When I go for walks, I keep seeing crocuses and snowdrops sprouting from the ground. In Germany, that's often a sign that spring is just around the corner.

Japan also has such signs of spring in nature. First, the ume blossoms (plum blossoms) begin to bloom. Shortly afterward, the famous sakura blossom (cherry blossom) follows, symbolizing spring in Japan.

I've already written a blog post about Ume and Sakura. If you'd like to learn more, you can find the link here.

Ume - The enchanting plum blossom and its meaning in Japan

The cherry blossom – a symbol of Japan and spring

 

During this time of year, there is also a very popular Japanese sweet: Sanshoku-Dango (三色団子) .
“Sanshoku” means three colours , and “Dango” are small rice balls made from rice flour that are placed on a wooden skewer.

Today I would like to tell you why Sanshoku-Dango has three colours.

The three colours symbolically represent the transition of the seasons in spring:

• Pink – the cherry blossoms (sakura) that herald spring.
• White – the last snow of winter
• Green – fresh young plants and new grass

These colours show the transition of nature:
from winter → to spring → to early summer.

Another beautiful interpretation says:
"Green plants begin to grow under the white snow, and finally the pink cherry blossoms bloom."
I really like this interpretation :)

 

History

The origins of Sanshoku-Dango are said to date back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century.

The grand cherry blossom festival of Toyotomi Hideyoshi , one of Japan's most famous historical rulers, is particularly well-known. His magnificent hanami celebrations made such spring sweets very popular.

 

Japanese culture often combines nature, seasons, and colours.
I also draw inspiration from these traditional colour palettes for my Mizuhiki jewellery.

Just as Sanshoku-Dango expresses spring with three colours, I also try to tell little stories from Japan in my designs – stories about seasons, nature and happiness.

My Spring Collection – inspired by Sanshoku-Dango – can be found here.

 

PS

Did you know that in Japan odd numbers are considered lucky?

For example, 3, 5 and 7 are particularly valued.

That's why I almost always use odd numbers in my designs for my Mizuhiki products – with the exception of 2 ;)

I wish you a wonderful springtime🌸.