Interesting comment, Koichi san. Care to elaborate? How do they 'match better'? What is the photo of (and why is the pine needle there)?
thanks,
There is a word “Sho-Chiku-Bai (松竹梅)â€. It means pine (Matsu), bamboo (Take), and plum (Ume), and they are also called “Saikan no sanyu (歳寒三友 = three friends in winter)â€. Matsu and Take are always green even in winters. And Ume bloom blossoms in cold winter. They have been loved as symbols of integrity, and have been popular motif in paintings and other various arts. Also they are used as symbols of happy events.
BTW, the photo shows Japanese-style confectionery with Ume and Matsu motif.