What does orchid symbolize
In China's traditional culture, orchids carry the code of thousand-year civilization with their unique plant language. This herb, known as the "King's Fragrance", has an elegant flower shape and a lingering aroma. From the Book of Songs to the Li Sao, from ink painting to garden landscaping, it has always occupied a special cultural status. The three dimensions of the symbolic meaning of orchids are the green bond of emotional connection. The allusions to the "Golden Orchid" originated from the Book of Changes. In ancient sworn rites, orchids were often used as a token. Its cluster characteristics symbolize the unity of hands and feet, and the long and thin leaves symbolize the long-term friendship. In contemporary social etiquette, Jianlan is given to each other to express friendship, Chunlan witnesses brotherhood, and Mo Lan is often used in business cooperation scenarios. Qu Yuan's "Nine Songs" uses autumn orchids as a metaphor for virtuous ministers, and Zheng Sixiao paints rootless orchids to convey thoughts of his hometown. This cultural gene continues to this day. In important diplomatic occasions, Huilan often conveys the concept of peace as a national gift. The root characteristics of orchids are in line with the cultural psychology of the Chinese nation's roots. The classical code for love expression,"The Chronicles of Customs", records that the ancients used Bingtilan to sign marriage. Suxin orchid symbolizes pure love, and Phalaenopsis symbolizes flying together. In modern weddings, the combination of Wenxinlan holding flowers and Hanlan corsage not only inherits the ancient charm but also contains new ideas. Multiple interpretations of orchid flower language The allusion of the spiritual symbol in the Eastern context "Living with a good person is like entering a room of cherries" connects orchids with moral cultivation. When Zhu Xi annotated "Chu Ci", he emphasized Lan Zhi's "hidden virtue", and Wang Xizhi's orchid pavilion construction established his symbol of literati character. In the modern context,"orchid heart and beauty" describes cultivating both inside and outside, and "orchid gui and Qi fang" wishes the family prosperity. Cultural Translation from a Western Perspective In Victoria, orchids became a decorative element of the Medal of Courage. Modern psychological research shows that blue orchids stimulate creativity, and purple dendrobium orchids enhance self-confidence. In international exchanges, Catlan symbolizes openness and inclusiveness, and Bandairan represents lasting friendship. The inheritance and innovation of orchid culture From Song Huizong's "Orchid Fu" to Zheng Banqiao's Moran Tu, from the Imperial Garden of the Forbidden City to the Modern Orchid Expo, this plant continues to glow with cultural vitality. In the digital era, virtual orchids NFT collections have emerged, genetic technology has cultivated new varieties of fluorescent orchids, and traditional symbols have been endowed with scientific and technological connotations. Lan culture is integrating into contemporary life in diverse forms, interpreting eternal spiritual pursuits.
When we stare at an orchid, what we see is not only plant forms, but also living fossils of the evolution of civilization. From the spiritual totems of scholar-officials to popular cultural symbols, orchids have always told the eternal pursuit of beautiful character by mankind with their unique plant language.