Natural stones and traditions used in Yuntan

Each of the natural stones, materials, and motifs used in Yuntan products has its own special meaning and tradition.

The encounter with natural stones and accessories is also a matter of fate, so please enjoy that connection.

*This section introduces phenomena commonly associated with natural stones and traditions.

We do not guarantee any spiritual elements or effects described here.

• Osmanthus (Keika)

It has long been considered an auspicious flower symbolizing wealth. Its sweet fragrance is also said to bring good fortune in finances and love.

Furthermore, the osmanthus flower is also known as the "flower that blooms in the moon."

"To the Moon" is a symbol of wealth.

• Freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls symbolize "purity," "sincerity," and "inner beauty," and are popular as amulets that enhance a woman's charm and soothe the soul. They possess the energy of love and harmony, supporting improved relationships and mental stability. They also have meaning as amulets for warding off evil spirits, promoting health and longevity, ensuring safe childbirth, and attracting the opposite sex, and are said to particularly enhance a woman's sensitivity and maternal instincts.

• Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is a gemstone known as a "symbol of love and beauty," and its symbolic meanings include "true love," "beauty and health," and "gentleness." It is said to be a stone dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and has been believed since ancient times to be effective in improving romantic relationships, boosting self-esteem, healing the mind (healing effect), and smoothing interpersonal relationships, and has been considered a symbol of love around the world.

• Tangyuan (rice balls)

These dumplings, made with glutinous rice flour, are an auspicious sweet eaten throughout Asia, including Taiwan, Chinese-speaking regions, and Malaysia, during the winter solstice and the Lantern Festival. (While they have the same taste and texture as shiratamako dumplings, there are many variations, including those with meat or sweet bean paste fillings. They are similar to sekihan (red bean rice) or kohaku manju (red and white steamed buns) in Japan, considered a celebratory meal or sweet.)

The term "Tuan Yuan" originates from "Tuan Tuan Yuan Yuan," meaning "the whole family gathers together," and it is a dish that families eat together on the winter solstice and the Lantern Festival, when family bonds are considered important.

(The name of this shop comes from the fact that I misread "tangyuan" as "yuntan" and thought it had to be eaten with someone you like.)

Apparently, in addition to red and white or white, various types of tangyuan (rice dumplings) are now being sold, including five-colored varieties.

• Red coral

Red coral symbolizes vitality and passion, and has been revered since ancient times around the world for various purposes, including protection against evil, safe childbirth, and improved romantic luck. It has been treasured as a precious material not only in Japan and China but also in European countries.

This natural gemstone is formed from coral that lives on the seabed and is characterized by its vibrant red color.

Red symbolizes vitality, energy, and passion, and is believed to energize the wearer. In ancient Rome and the Mediterranean region, red coral was considered a talisman that brought wealth, happiness, health, and longevity.

In the East, red, which is associated with warding off evil, happiness, longevity, and blood circulation, has a long history of being particularly believed to protect health, and has been highly valued as a charm to protect the health of children and women.

Coral, along with gold, silver, and agate, is considered a special material, designated as one of the seven important treasures known as the "Seven Treasures" in Buddhism.

⚫︎枸杞

Goji berries, as seen in goji tea and goji berry liquor, are a medicinal tree that has been used in East Asia since ancient times as a tonic and a way to promote longevity. In Japan, it is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu consumed them for his own longevity.

Of course, these red berries are beautiful, but the goji berry tree itself is considered very auspicious.

From a feng shui perspective, it is said to attract good fortune (wealth and opportunity), increase financial luck, and ward off evil spirits, and has been highly valued since ancient times.

It is also used in various applications as a traditional Chinese medicine.

In recent years, its remarkable health benefits (antioxidant effects due to high polyphenol content) have been scientifically proven, attracting attention in the West as well. It has gained recognition as a superfood and is widely known by the name "gigoberry."

• The Old Man Under the Moon and the Red Rope

In Chinese mythology, this god is a matchmaker, responsible for connecting the destinies of men and women with a red thread.

Yue Lao (also known as Yue Lao) is the god who presides over human marriage and is believed to play a role in uniting men and women as husband and wife. In particular, he is said to tie the feet of those destined to be married together with a red rope, and it is believed that even those who live far apart will surely be united. In folk tradition, he is worshipped as a "matchmaker god" who bestows good fortune upon those who have not yet found a partner.

Originating in China and widely believed in East Asia, this deity is worshipped as a god that connects people. In Japan, it is known as the "red thread connecting the little fingers," symbolizing the bond between men and women, particularly the little fingers, but this seems to have changed as it spread from China.

In temples dedicated to Yuexia Laoren, such as Mazu temples, red cotton spun to resemble this red rope is given as a gift to share in the divine power of matchmaking.