What does the Gesang flower symbolize?
The editor introduces the symbolism of the Gesang flower and its flower language, as well as related experiences in growing flowers with legends. Let's learn about it together next.
In Tibet, people often express and convey beautiful emotions through the Gesang flower, and there are many songs and stories praising the Gesang flower. The Gesang flower holds a high position in the hearts of the Tibetan people and is considered by them as a sacred flower symbolizing love and auspiciousness. Throughout the long history of Tibet, the Gesang flower has been a spiritual presence in the hearts of the Tibetan people, becoming a symbol of their pursuit of happiness, auspiciousness, and beautiful emotions. It is beautiful but not showy and often becomes a metaphor for strong women. As it loves the sunshine of the plateau and is not afraid of severe cold and frost, it is considered the most tenacious wildflower on the plateau. It is also the city flower of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
Tales of the High Monk
Long, long ago, a severe epidemic broke out in the Tibetan region, and people died in batches. The local tribal leader tried everything but couldn't solve the problem. Until one day, a Living Buddha from a distant land passed through here and cured everyone using a local plant. However, to treat the people, this high monk overexerted himself and unfortunately passed away. Because of the language barrier, the only impression people had of the Living Buddha was his constant mention of "Gesang" – the plant used for healing. Thus, people called this Living Buddha "Gesang Living Buddha." From then on, all things that symbolize hope and happiness were also called "Gesang." Since then, the most beautiful flower on the grassland has been called "Gesang flower."
Tales of the Deity
"Gesang" was originally the deity among the Tibetan gods who governed human suffering and happiness. Due to human greed and ignorance, wantonly killing creatures on the grassland, it angered the heavens. So, the heavens sent the "Gesang" deity to punish humans on Earth. However, after arriving on Earth, the deity found that long-term warfare had left the land devoid of life, with plagues everywhere. Thus, the deity defied the heavenly command and helped humans defeat the plague, giving them a chance to reform. To remember the deity who saved them, humans used the most beautiful and happiest thing on Earth, the Gesang flower, to honor him.
Tales of Sisters
Long, long ago, all flowers were daughters of the same mother, living in a large family. Gesang flower and snow lotus were once twin sisters. They separated due to different personalities and goals after growing up, with the snow lotus choosing the high Himalayas. After some time, Gesang flower missed the snow lotus very much and traveled a long distance to the Himalayas to see her. When Gesang flower reached the Himalayas, the snow lotus had already been covered by snow and turned into a pure white flower. Gesang flower was very sad and turned into a fresh flower to accompany the snow lotus, and they have been together forever since.
Tales of the Mongols
It is said that during the Yuan Dynasty when the Mongolian army invaded Tibet and Tibet was incorporated into the Yuan Dynasty's territory, the Mongols brought aster seeds from northern China to Tibet, where they took root and bloomed. That era was a period of unprecedented prosperity in Tibetan history after the fall of the Tubo Dynasty. At that time, Phagpa, who was granted the title of "National Teacher" by Kublai Khan, created the辉煌 of Sakya and successfully made the Yuan Dynasty皇室 accept Tibetan Buddhism, becoming the imperial teacher of the Yuan Dynasty. The asters brought by the Mongols bloomed in monasteries and many homes, and people of that era called them "Gesang flowers." "Gesang" in Tibetan means "Gesang Sangpu," with "Gesang" meaning era or generation, and "Sangpu" meaning prosperity, together meaning "flower of prosperity."
The above introduction to the symbolism of the Gesang flower and its flower language, as well as the legends, are provided for everyone to learn and understand!