How to Read “連理の枝”
Renri no eda
Meaning of “連理の枝”
“Intertwined branches” is a proverb that expresses how a married couple loves each other deeply and is bound together by strong ties.
This expression originated from the rare natural phenomenon where branches from separate trees naturally join together and become one during their growth process. Just as two trees become one, it beautifully expresses the ideal relationship where a married couple is united in both heart and body. It is not used to simply refer to a harmonious couple, but rather to express couples who have a fateful connection or deep love that will never separate them no matter what difficulties they face.
Even today, it is sometimes used in wedding speeches and congratulatory addresses at golden wedding anniversaries, making it a particularly effective expression when praising the deep bond of couples who have been together for many years. In literary works, it is also sometimes used to express the relationship between lovers who pledge eternal love.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Intertwined branches” can be traced back to classical Chinese literature. This term originally appeared in Chinese poetry and prose, referring to the rare natural phenomenon where branches from different trees join together midway and become one.
Particularly famous is its use in the long narrative poem “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” by Bai Juyi, a poet from the Tang dynasty. In this poem, which tells of the tragic love between Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, there appears the verse “In heaven, let us be birds flying wing to wing; on earth, let us be intertwined branches” (在天願作比翼鳥、在地願為連理枝). Here, intertwined branches are used as a symbol of eternal love.
It is believed to have been introduced to Japan around the Heian period along with Chinese poetry and prose, and was initially used as a beautiful metaphor expressing deep marital love, similar to its use in China. “Renri” means “grain (wood grain) connected,” originally referring to the phenomenon where separate trees grow together, with their branches or trunks fusing and becoming one during the growth process. This mystical natural phenomenon came to be seen as a symbol of two people being deeply connected, and became established in literary works and everyday expressions.
Interesting Facts
The phenomenon of intertwined branches is a rare occurrence that actually happens in nature, called “fusion” or “grafting” in botany. It can occur not only between trees of the same species but also between different species when conditions are right, and many shrines and temples throughout Japan enshrine intertwined trees as “matchmaking trees.”
Interestingly, this phenomenon can also be artificially created, and in the world of horticulture, it has long been utilized as a technique called “grafting.” However, naturally occurring intertwined branches are extremely rare, which is why they have been cherished since ancient times as mystical and auspicious phenomena.
Usage Examples
- That couple has been married for fifty years and is truly bound by deep ties like intertwined branches
- The two were firmly connected like intertwined branches and overcame any trial together
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “Intertwined branches” gives a somewhat old-fashioned and dignified impression, so it is not used much in daily conversation anymore. However, its beautiful metaphor still has the power to resonate with many people’s hearts.
Particularly in the SNS and digital age of today, marital relationships have also diversified, and values have emerged where “becoming one” is not necessarily considered ideal. More couples are emphasizing individual independence and building good relationships while maintaining each other’s autonomy, and the complete unity expressed by “Intertwined branches” can sometimes feel suffocating.
On the other hand, in today’s aging society, couples spend longer periods together, and the importance of deep bonds is being rerecognized. As late-life divorce becomes a social issue, the longing for truly united marital relationships remains strong.
Furthermore, as marriage systems diversify and common-law marriages and same-sex marriages are increasingly recognized in modern times, “Intertwined branches” is beginning to take on new meaning as an expression of pure bonds of love that are not bound by legal marriage. This ancient proverb may be shedding new light on modern values that emphasize emotional connections over formalities.
When AI Hears This
“Renri no eda” (intertwined branches), which originated in China, was originally a political term representing the strong bond between emperor and retainer. However, when it was transmitted to Japan, it transformed into a beautiful expression symbolizing the deep love between husband and wife. This change is deeply connected to differences in how the two countries view power.
In ancient China, the emperor was considered the son of heaven, and the relationship with subjects was one of absolute hierarchy. Intertwined branches also represented this vertical bond of “loyalty to the emperor.” In contrast, while Japan had an imperial system, actual politics were handled by nobles and warriors, creating a more complex power structure. This fostered a culture that valued personal affection over political loyalty.
Even more fascinating is the influence of Japanese aesthetics. In the aristocratic culture of the Heian period, delicate emotional expression called “mono no aware” was highly valued. The beauty of two hearts connecting resonated more deeply with the Japanese spirit than political power relationships.
For example, even today, in China intertwined branches are sometimes used to represent “unity” or “cooperation,” but in Japan they have become completely established as a symbol of romantic love. Even when observing the same natural phenomenon, completely different meanings emerge depending on a country’s values. This can be called a典型example of the cultural transformation of language.
Lessons for Today
What “Intertwined branches” teaches us today is that true bonds are not built overnight. Just as it takes a long time and proper conditions for two trees to join together in nature, deep connections between people must also be nurtured over time.
In modern society, immediate results and efficiency tend to be emphasized, but truly important relationships cannot be rushed. The process of gradually deepening bonds while understanding each other, supporting each other, and sometimes overcoming difficulties together is what has value.
This proverb also teaches us the beautiful harmony of “becoming one while acknowledging differences.” Intertwined branches are a phenomenon where different trees connect while maintaining their individuality. In modern human relationships too, it shows the importance of building deep connections while respecting each other’s individuality, rather than denying differences with others.
If you nurture your relationship with your important person patiently and carefully, it will surely grow into beautiful bonds like intertwined branches.
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