Hello Kitty is often depicted with three apples, and this has become one of her most recognizable symbols. The meaning behind the three apples is not officially explained by Sanrio, but there are a few theories about what they represent.
One theory is that the three apples represent the Buddhist concept of "the three treasures." These treasures are said to be the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and they represent the three main components of Buddhist teachings. By incorporating these three treasures into Hello Kitty's design, it is possible that Sanrio was trying to promote Buddhist values of compassion, wisdom, and community.
Another theory is that the three apples represent the phrase "san-nin," which means "three people" in Japanese. This phrase is often used to refer to a group of three friends, and it is possible that Sanrio wanted to emphasize Hello Kitty's friendly and social personality by incorporating the three apples into her design.
The meaning behind Hello Kitty's three apples remains a mystery, and Sanrio has not provided an official explanation for their significance. However, the three apples have become an important part of Hello Kitty's design, and they add to her appeal as a character.