When The Year Grows Cold, Only Then Do We Know That Pines And Cypresses Are The Last To Wither: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “When the year grows cold, only then do we know that pines and cypresses are the last to wither”

Saikan shite, shikaru nochi ni shōhaku no shibomu ni okururu koto wo shiru

Meaning of “When the year grows cold, only then do we know that pines and cypresses are the last to wither”

This proverb means that only in difficult situations do we discover who is truly exceptional.

During peaceful times, many people appear admirable. But when real trials arrive, it becomes clear who is truly trustworthy.

People use this saying when organizations face crises or individuals encounter hardships. It highlights the value of those who stand firm rather than flee.

It also teaches that we should judge people during adversity, not just when things go smoothly.

Even in modern society, this truth holds during economic difficulties, disasters, or organizational crises.

This proverb reminds us to look beyond superficial evaluations. It teaches us to recognize who is truly reliable when it matters most.

Origin and Etymology

This proverb comes from the ancient Chinese text “Analects,” specifically from the “Zihan” chapter.

It was passed down as words Confucius spoke to his disciples. The original text records “When the year grows cold, only then do we know that pines and cypresses are the last to wither.”

“Saikan” means the coldest time of year—the harsh winter. “Shōhaku” refers to pines and cypresses, which are evergreen trees.

“Emu” in classical language means “to lose leaves,” different from the modern meaning of “to wither.” “Okururu” means “to be delayed” or “to come last.”

In Confucius’s time, most trees in China lost their leaves in winter. But pines and cypresses alone kept their green color.

Observing this natural phenomenon, Confucius found a deep human truth. During peaceful times, everyone appears admirable.

But only when facing truly harsh situations does a person’s true worth become clear.

Just as winter’s cold reveals that pines and cypresses don’t lose their leaves like other trees, difficult situations reveal people’s true nature.

This teaching spread to Japan. It has been used as a standard for evaluating character and explaining the attitude needed to face difficulties.

Interesting Facts

In Japan, pines and cypresses have long been honored alongside plum blossoms as the “Three Friends of Winter.”

Pines especially are called “thousand-year green” and symbolize unchanging integrity.

Interestingly, pines can stay green in winter because their leaves have a thick protective layer called the cuticle. This prevents water evaporation.

This biological feature functions perfectly as a metaphor for “strength to endure hardship.”

The Analects repeatedly mentions “junzi,” the ideal person. Confucius emphasized that a junzi needs more than knowledge or talent.

He valued how people behave in difficult situations. This proverb clearly expresses Confucius’s standard for evaluating character.

Usage Examples

• When the company faced a management crisis, “When the year grows cold, only then do we know that pines and cypresses are the last to wither”—we discovered who the truly reliable employees were
• Everyone looks good when things go smoothly, but as “When the year grows cold, only then do we know that pines and cypresses are the last to wither” says, we should judge people in difficult moments

Universal Wisdom

Humans have a curious trait. In stable environments, everyone appears competent.

When things go well, we may not see people’s true selves. We might only see temporary images created by favorable circumstances.

This proverb has been passed down for thousands of years because humans are fundamentally “beings forged by trials.”

Both weakness and strength hidden during peaceful times become clear only through the touchstone of difficulty.

This isn’t cruel. Rather, it shows the depth of human existence.

Interestingly, this proverb doesn’t say “experience hardship.” It says “when hardship comes, you will know.”

In other words, trials are accepted as unavoidable. Life will inevitably bring winter.

Standing on this premise, what should we prepare?

The answer is clear. During peaceful times, we should deepen our roots and strengthen our inner selves.

When evaluating others, we shouldn’t focus on superficial success or glamour. We should cultivate eyes that see essential strength and sincerity.

This proverb answers the eternal question: What is true human worth, and how do we recognize it?

When AI Hears This

Metal bridges and pipes seem fine normally. But when low temperature and corrosive substances act together, invisible microcracks suddenly spread and cause destruction.

This is called stress corrosion cracking. Interestingly, this destruction depends not on “surface strength” but on “disorder in internal crystal structure.”

Steel materials may look identical, but slight impurities or crystal distortions from manufacturing become fatal weaknesses in extreme environments.

The difference between pines and cypresses versus other trees also lies in this structural level.

Deciduous trees grow rapidly with soft tissue containing much water. Pines and cypresses slowly form dense cell walls containing resin.

Below freezing, water inside cells freezes and expands, creating stress that destroys tissue from within.

Deciduous trees defend themselves by dropping leaves to reduce water. But pines and cypresses have cellular structures designed to withstand freezing pressure.

In other words, harsh winter isn’t just a trial. It’s a precise stress test measuring trees’ cellular structural strength.

The same principle works in human society. The difference between peacetime successes and truly resilient people can’t be judged by appearance or titles.

Only when crisis—the low-temperature environment—arrives are the soundness of daily thinking habits and values tested.

Superficial skills peel away. Essential structural defects appear as failures.

Lessons for Today

This proverb teaches modern people two important things.

First is a question for yourself. If winter came to your life tomorrow, would you be a tree that drops its leaves or a pine that keeps its green?

This question prompts you to examine how you live right now.

Don’t panic when difficulty arrives. Because you have peace now, you can cultivate your inner self and nurture your beliefs.

Second is about judging people. Are you evaluating others only by glamorous social media posts or behavior during good times?

If you want to build truly important relationships, you need to see how people face difficulties.

At the same time, you should be someone who stays beside others during their hard times.

This proverb teaches that you don’t need to fear trials. They are chances to prove your true worth.

Like pines that stay green even when winter comes, you surely have unshakable strength within you.