Nanten (Nandina) was introduced from China in the Heian period (794-1185) and has been valued since ancient times as an herbal medicine to suppress coughs. It is popular as a lucky tree because it bears many glossy red berries from the end of autumn to the beginning of winter, and because its name means "to turn a difficult situation into a good fortune. It also has a meaning of repelling evil spirits by being placed at the entrance of a house. An encyclopedia from the Edo period says, "Planting Nanten prevents fire," and many private houses plant Nanten in unlucky directions to "ward off fire" and protect the safety of the house.