When used as one of betrothal gifts, the kanji characters phonetically expressing surume are used symbolizing, along with another betrothal gift konbu (kelp) (written in kanji characters representing a fertile woman), the wish for woman's good health and many children. 結納品の場合には寿留女の当て字を用い、同じく結納品である昆布(子生婦)とともに、女性の健康や子だくさんを願う象徴となっている。 |