They were once the national flower. The flowers mentioned above are just a fraction of what can be given in Chinese culture. In 1903, the Qing (pronounced Ching) dynasty, declared the Peony as China’s national flower. A plant symbolizes that your relationship is restricted or bound up in a negative way. 1. They bloom in spring just before the cherry blossoms. As with many other cultures China’s civilisation started with the advent of agricultural activity. Flower Gifting Culture In Asia. When planning a Chinese wedding, it is important to choose flowers … Beside that, one good thing about this lucky plant is that it require very little upkeep to survive. On the Chinese 50 cents coins you can see plum flowers on the side. St. Petersburg, Florida. Giving flowers to a man is not that unusual in Italy. Traditionally the Plum Blossom, also is one of the floral symbols of China. They have historically served as a significant vehicle of communication. Red is the symbol of ultimate joy in Chinese culture, and adding red roses or other red flowers will boost the Chinese decorative look popular in traditional weddings. 2015. While fresh cut flowers are appreciated, artificial flowers are also acceptable, particularly if you are traveling a long distance to attend the funeral. Available under a Creative Commons License . The ume or Chinese plum tree is native to China. Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Chinese myths and stories refer to flowers, but it was really England’s Victorian Era (1837-1901) that gave way to a specific language of flowers. China is a culture of flowers. No culture in the world, eastern or western, has produced a longer continuous tradition of garden design than that of China. Lotus. Article about Chinese Symbolism of Plants in Glossary of Chinese New Year and Chinese culture, customs and traditions. Red is a popular color in Chinese culture, symbolizing luck, joy, and happiness. The meaning of red in Chinese weddings is deep and powerful. In each culture, there are certain plants or flowers typical of it. 8 Lucky Plants and Flowers for Chinese New Year. The Flowers of the Four Seasons (Chinese: 四季名花; Vietnamese: Tứ quý danh hoa; Japanese: 四季の花) are a group of flowers found in Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese art and culture which represent the four seasons, consisting of the orchid (spring), the lotus (summer), the chrysanthemum (autumn) and the plum blossom (winter). The symbolism of flowers in Chinese art is very rich, so each flower has its own entry in this survey of symbols. Chinese Flowers And Meanings. A couple of popular ones with very strong connotations are the 3 friends of winter and the 4 friends of the flowers (花間四友). Number. Three Pines Press. Flowers sometimes carry negative meanings in Chinese culture, as well. Lotus flower is an important symbol of pureness in Buddhism, and also traditional Chinese culture. They contain three of the elements of the Four Gentlemen. Flowers are both important and extremely meaningful in Chinese culture and are heavily incorporated as decoration in traditional Chinese weddings. The early Chinese paid homage to the soil in what has been called ‘a religion of agrarian fertility’. Red is the traditional color worn by Chinese brides, as it is believed to ward off evil. I hope that today’s article has taught you a little bit about the social act of giving flowers to in Chinese society. 6. He ordered his subjects to plant hibiscus flowers around the city walls of Chengdu, and he appointed full-time personnel to care for the trees. Due to its cold-resistance character, plum blossom stands for courage, hope and new life in Chinese culture. Therefore, it is a popular flower to use in Chinese weddings. In the same way that roses may be associated with romance on Valentine’s Day, other flowers and plants can be used to symbolise things like fortune and health according to Chinese … Flowers are an indelible part of the collective consciousness of the Chinese people. Here are 8 Colors and Their Symbolism in Chinese Culture. Often the lotus flower decorations to be seen will be two flowers on one stalk. Chinese flowers are one of the most significant in the world.. Chinese culture has a wide range of typical and significant flowers, which we should know when reading Chinese poems or novels. Certain customs or associations often give objects special meaning. This applies to funeral flowers as well. The Symbolism of Flowers and Plants in Chinese Culture Flowers have a privileged position in the Chinese culture. Lastly, we have provided some insight into unlucky colors for your awareness. A delight to behold, it is a treasure trove of learning and insight. In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn and the flower of the ninth moon. Plum flowers are fragrant and beautiful. Which kind of flower is better and more appropriate to give depends on the time, place, the person, even the hobbies and the personality. According to Chinese folklore, Meng Chang, who was the last king of the Later Shu State during the time of the Five Dynasties, had a particular affection for famous flowers. Just as a flower blooms, your expertise on flowers will bloom once you know more about their symbolism. An ancient Chinese city (Xiaolan Town of Zhongshan City) was named Ju-Xian, meaning "chrysanthemum city". Flowers are especially important in Chinese culture because they are generally symbols for good luck and fortune. Its traditional art and customs are infused with symbols and habits that pertain to flowers. Just as the Five Elements Theory (of Metal, Fire, Water, Wood and Air) play an important role in influencing many of the Chinese beliefs and customs, the color theory is also based on the 5 elements. Peonies are the most popular flowers among Chinese, especially on weddings. Color Symbolism in Chinese Culture. The number of flowers you give can have significance in different cultures as well. One is struck by the abundant presence of flowers when one visits China; and… It also represents celebration, vitality, and fertility in traditional Chinese color symbolism. Chrysanthemum flowers symbolizes a strong life. Chinese culture has always placed great importance in flowers, which feature heavily in their proverbs, poetry, art and literature. As in the West, each flower carries with it a distinct meaning. Flowers are an indelible part of the collective consciousness of the Chinese people. In the old hanakotoba, these flowers indicated elegance and loyalty. For instance, the flowers from poplar trees can easily be blown apart, so they represent an unfaithful spouse or lover. Chinese people have their own culture when it comes to giving friends or relatives gifts. When it is a new-born baby, usually jade or silver bracelet or necklace would be good, particularly ones which can make the clinging sound so it will make some noise when the baby moves. They have historically served as a significant vehicle of communication. From a painted Chinese bottle. White flowers are most often sent to family members of the deceased, and a white/yellow combination is very popular at a Chinese funeral. Here collected are the 10 most important flowers in Chinese culture. Flowers, fruits, and trees are representations for various aspects of life. Lilys and chrysanthemums are good choices, particularly in white or yellow. For all people of Chinese culture, the lotus is symbolic of love and beauty. Chinese flowers represent the natural nectar that brings growth, fulfillment and new, prosperous beginnings into our lives.. It’s actually more closely related to the apricot tree, and the fruit of these trees are sometimes called Japanese apricots. Red - Fire. 1.) Who knew! Flowers in China are a language that conveys positive messages and plays a significant role in the day to day life of the common folk. Likewise, duckweed is a floating flower that has no roots, which contrasts with the Chinese moral value placed on harmony and family unity. It is good to give old people chrysanthemum flowers because it means strong life. Potted plants are not appropriate as gifts in Asia. Even the name of Chinese people, hua … Flowers have a privileged position in the Chinese culture. by: Wong Yee Lee. In Feng Shui, many flowers are utilized for good fortune and success.This is because, in general, healthy flowering plants manifest good Chi, or energy. Popular Flowers And Their Meanings Giving flowers in the event of a death is perfectly acceptable in Chinese culture; however, red flowers should never be sent for a funeral. For a man, it is advisable to select flowers that aren’t too fragile, in bright colors (pink, yellow, orange) and with a crown of a distinct design (like a tulip). The flowers have a strong fragrant scent. Gifting flowers to teachers is the most popular gift in China. Sometimes, with certain customs associated with them or certain meanings. Index - Birds - Animals - Flowers and Fruit- Colors - Nature - Assorted Home | Culture | Beliefs | Symbolism | Flowers and Fruit The symbolism of flowers and fruit in Chinese art 花 朵 huā duǒ Plate 87. Symbolic Chinese Flowers And Asian Flower Meanings. In Chinese culture, jade plant is widely know to attract wealth luck and good fortune with their emerald shaped green leaves. The plant is particularly significant during the Chinese Double Ninth Festival. This is often seen as a representation of the couple, two people with a strong bond between them. Flowers in Chinese Culture presents the subtle and potent relevance of thirty flowering plants in Chinese Daoist culture, exploring religion, literature, folklore, and sayings. In ancient Chinese tradition, culture, and especially literature, different plants and animals are often grouped together to form very strong symbolic meanings and representations. Same, specific flowers become symbols and messages in Chinese culture. Chinese also carry a tradition of living in awe of every moment and every detail of the world, to appreciate the fleeting beauty. The three main lucky colors considered lucky in people's daily lives as well as on special occasions are red, yellow, and green. In contrast to the Western wedding, white flowers are the symbol of death and used only for funerals. Money Plant Colors are important to Chinese culture as they are endowed with lucky meanings. 155 pages.In the preface to this beautifully illustrated study of the significance of flowers in Chinese culture, An Lan Zhang first pays tribute to her parents for inculcating in her a love for the flora that surrounded her childhood: her father was an expert in the cultivation of rare orchids, and both her parents shared a We have also covered color combinations preferred in China. The Symbolism of Flowers and Plants in Chinese Culture Flowers have a privileged position in the Chinese culture. It is not surprising that flowers take a special place in the tradition. Healthy flowers are also thought to bring in more good energy, or chi. Knowing the symbolic meaning of a plant will lead to understanding the hidden message. Chinese Culture >> Chinese Plants .