1.
three-colored dango; hanami dango
A traditional Japanese sweet consisting of three rice dumplings on a skewer, each a different color: pink (or red), white, and green. Strongly associated with cherry blossom viewing (hanami) and spring.
Also called 花見団子. The three colors traditionally represent the seasons of spring: pink (桜, cherry blossoms), white (雪, the last snow of winter), and green (蓬, fresh mugwort sprouts). Some interpretations link the colors to the progression of cherry blossoms: pink buds, white full bloom, and green leaves after the petals fall.
Common collocations
- 三色団子を食べる: to eat three-colored dango
- 三色団子を作る: to make three-colored dango
- 串に刺した三色団子: three-colored dango on a skewer
Cultural note
The saying 花より団子 (dango over flowers) humorously expresses the preference for practical pleasures like eating over aesthetic ones like viewing blossoms. 三色団子 is one of the iconic treats behind this proverb. Available year-round at many shops, but peak season is March through April.