1.
mulberry; mulberry tree
A deciduous tree of the genus Morus, whose leaves are the sole food of silkworms. Historically central to Japan's silk industry, and the source of edible mulberry fruit (berries) and mulberry-bark paper.
A tree species historically of enormous economic importance in Japan because its leaves are the only food that silkworms (蚕) will eat. In premodern and modern Japan up through the mid-twentieth century, entire regions were dedicated to 桑畑 ('mulberry fields') to support the silk industry.
Usage
- The kanji 桑 is written with a distinctive three-又 component on top representing leaves.
- 桑 can refer to both the tree itself and, by extension, its leaves and fruit in context.
- The edible berries are usually called 桑の実 ('mulberry fruit') to distinguish from the tree.
Common collocations
- 桑の木: mulberry tree
- 桑の葉: mulberry leaf (eaten by silkworms; also used for tea)
- 桑の実: mulberry berry; mulberry fruit
- 桑畑: mulberry field; mulberry orchard
- 桑を栽培する: to cultivate mulberry
Cultural note
- The phrase 桑原桑原 is a traditional incantation muttered to ward off lightning or misfortune, based on the folk belief that lightning would not strike mulberry groves.
- 桑 has its own symbol (Y) on older Japanese topographic maps to indicate mulberry fields, reflecting how common they once were.