The Symbolic Meaning and Implications of Red Plum
This article provides information on the symbolic meaning and implications of red plum and discusses the suitable placement of red plum plants in the home. Corrections are welcome if there are any inaccuracies!
Plum blossoms bloom in both spring and winter, with a variety of colors and high ornamental value. Many gardening enthusiasts are fond of cultivating plum blossoms, but they may not know the flower's language and its symbolic implications. The plum blossom has a very strong vitality and is known as the first among China's top ten famous flowers and the leader of the Four Gentlemen.
Introduction to Plum Blossom
Plum blossom, also known as Mei, alias: spring plum, dry branch plum, sour plum, black plum, belongs to the Rosaceae, Prunus genus small tree, rare shrub, bark light gray or greenish, smooth; young branches green, smooth without hair. The leaves are ovate or elliptical. The plum is native to southern China and has a cultivation history of more than 3,000 years. There are many varieties for both ornamental and fruit tree purposes. Many types can not only be cultivated outdoors for ornamental purposes but also planted in pots, made into plum flowers, and are known as the "Four Gentlemen" along with orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. They are also called the "Three Companions of Cold Winter" along with pine and bamboo. The plum, with its noble, strong, and modest character, inspires people to strive for ambition. In the severe cold, the plum blossom precedes all other flowers, blooming alone to usher in spring.
What is the Flower Language of Plum Blossom?
The flower language of plum blossom is fighting against frost and snow, welcoming spring, elegant and proud, not seeking fame and fortune, strong, loyal, and refined.
What is the Symbolic Implication of Plum Blossom?
1. Symbolic Implication of the Five Blessings
The five petals of the plum blossom symbolize the five blessings. The first petal symbolizes the most desired peace for humanity, the second happiness, the third smooth sailing, the fourth longevity, and the fifth luck. Its existence is a spirit, and every part of its body has its unique symbolic meaning, truly embodying "speaking for itself".
2. Symbolic Implication of Auspiciousness and Happiness
In Chinese folklore, plum blossoms are associated with the implications of heralding spring, bringing good news, and symbolizing peace and safety. Ancient people believed that the plum has four virtues: the bud is the beginning, the blooming is prosperity, the fruit is benefit, and the ripening is loyalty. Later generations believe that the five petals of the plum blossom symbolize the five blessings: joy, happiness, longevity, smooth sailing, and peace.
3. Symbolic Implication of Purity, Solitude, and Tenacity
The plum blossom is a spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation, symbolizing tenacity, being proactive, and the spirit of self-improvement. As one of the "Three Companions of Cold Winter," it has been praised by people since ancient times. Literature throughout the ages has left behind moving works praising the spiritual character of the plum blossom, its noble character and steadfastness, and its pure beauty that does not compete with other flowers for spring. Thus, the plum blossom is also a symbol of strong character and high integrity.
4. Symbolic Implication of a Beauty
Due to the growth characteristics of the plum blossom, it has various nicknames such as "frost beauty" and "cold beauty". There is a poem that says, "Living by the cold stream curve, plum blossoms mixed with warm spring, learning to dress like a young girl, gathering and laughing with rosy lips," often using plum blossoms to describe lovely girls.
5. Symbolic Implication of Friendship
Poets throughout the ages have also used the plum blossom as a symbol of friendship. In "Jingzhou Ji" by Lu Kai, it is written, "Breaking a flower for the courier, sending it to the person at the pass, having nothing in the south of the river, just sending a branch of spring." He sent a branch of plum blossom from the south to Fan Ye far away, with the plum blossom symbolizing their deep friendship. The great poet Su Shi also has a line that says, "Hand in hand in the river village, plum snow飘skirt. What endless emotions, everywhere it dispels the soul."
The plum blossom, with its loyal, noble, strong, and modest character, inspires people to strive for ambition. In the severe cold, the plum blossom opens before all other flowers, alone in the world and ushering in spring. Therefore, it is often used by the people as an auspicious symbol of heralding spring and bringing good news. The plum blossom is one of the "Three Companions of Cold Winter," and people have always praised its spirit of傲雪 (resisting snow), its solitary beauty that does not compete with other flowers for spring. Therefore, it symbolizes people of noble character and strength.
The detailed explanation provided above on the symbolic meaning and implications of red plum and the suitable placement of red plum plants in the home is hoped to bring you help in green plant management!