In Japanese symbolism what does persimmon represent?
In Buddhism, the persimmon is used as a symbol of
transformation. The green persimmon is acrid and bitter, but the
fruit becomes very sweet as it ripens. Thus, man might be basically
ignorant but that ignorance is transformed into wisdom as the
persimmon's bitterness is transformed into sweet delicious
fruit.
Dried persimmons or hoshi gaki are served at New Year's time in
Hawaii. They signify health and success in life for the new year.
From "Favorite Island Cookery", a Japanese Cookbook put out by the
Honpa Hongwanji in Honolulu, Hawaii. This answer was posted by Gaye
Miyasaki of Honolulu, Hawaii