Chinese Symbols and
Motifs
Trees and Flowers
The pine,
bamboo, and plum (prunus) trees when displayed together are known
as “The Three Friends of Winter.” Together
they represent happiness and endurance in old age because all three
live and bloom during the winter season.
Pine Tree
The pine tree retains its green foliage year round and represents
longevity and endurance. In both good and bad weather, the pine
thrives year after year thus it also represents pure life and
constancy in the face of adversity.
Bamboo
The bamboo is a grass and grows in dense groves. Bamboo symbolizes
resilience and integrity because it bends in the strong wind
but return
to
their upright
position. Delicate in appearance yet known for its strength,
its slender stems and lush covering of delicate leaves represents
durability and vigor.
Plum Blossom
In the cold winter air, the plum blossom (prunus) grows new flowers
from seemingly dead branches. The five petal blossoms represent
new life at the end of winter.
Flowers
All flowers are used as motifs in Chinese art. Of special importance
are the “Flowers of the Four Seasons”. The four flowers
are:
Winter Plum Blossom (or prune)
Spring Peony
Summer Lotus
Autumn Chrysanthemum
Peony
The peony, called in Chinese as the “fu-gui hua” or “flower
of wealth and honor,” symbolizes good fortune. Like most
other Chinese flowers, it is also associated with affection and
female beauty. The peony and orchids are sometimes referred to
as “the flowers of spring.”
Lotus
The lotus is associated with the summer season. It is a symbol
of purity in a corruption of worldly life because it rises out
of the mud to bloom. The lotus is a sacred emblem of Buddhism
and a sign of perfection. In Buddhist art, the Buddha’s
throne is sometimes a large single or double lotus with petals
emanating on all sides.
Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum flower signifies longevity and a life spent in
quiet retirement. Chrysanthemums are associated with autumn and
the ninth lunar month is called the chrysanthemum month.
Orchid
The long fluid leaves and softly curling petals of the orchid plant
are popular themes in Chinese art and culture. This fragrant
flower has for centuries represented the virtue, moral excellence,
and refinement of the superior man whose reputation precedes
him like perfume. Often used as a symbol for spring, the orchid
is also associated with a woman’s beauty.
Narcissus
Known as the “water fairy”, the narcissus is associated
with the Chinese New Year as the flower’s bulbs are customarily
forced into bloom during this time.
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