Translation and Meaning of: 桐 - kiri

Explanation and Etymology - (桐) kiri

桐 (きり, kiri) is a Japanese word that refers to a tree from the Meliaceae family, known in Portuguese as pau-marfim or japan cedar. The word is composed of the characters 桐, which mean "ivorywood tree". The etymology of the word dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the tree was highly valued for its high quality wood, used in the construction of furniture, musical instruments and art objects. It is believed that the name "kiri" was given in reference to its bark, which resembles the texture of tissue paper (kirigami), or its wood, which is light and easy to work with (kiru). Today, the kiri tree is considered an invasive species in some countries, but it is still prized in Japan for its beauty and symbolism. She is often portrayed in works of art and literature, and is associated with virtues such as nobility, elegance and longevity.