The symbolic qualities of the Four Gentlemen of Flowers
Do you know these? The symbolic qualities of the Four Gentlemen of Flowers and the symbolic meanings and spiritual greenery aspects of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, let's learn about them together next.
Plum:梅花 (Plum Blossoms) are the first among the Four Gentlemen, blooming in the cold and after thewithering of all other flowers. They are beautiful and extraordinary, yet do not compete with other flowers for beauty. Therefore, they have always been used to symbolize resilience, proud and unyielding, and the noble character of perseverance.
"Ode to Plum Blossoms" Song Dynasty: Wang Anshi
Several branches of plum blossoms in the corner of the wall,
Blooming alone in the cold.
From a distance, I know it's not snow,
Because there is a faint fragrance.
Orchid:兰花 (Orchids) often grow in secluded places with light-colored flowers, symbolizing the distance from filthy politics to preserve their own fine character.
"Orchid" Qing Dynasty: Wang Shishen
Orchids coming out of secluded valleys,
The flowers are full in autumn.
Keeping an appointment with me in seclusion,
The empty mountains desire to go far away.
Bamboo:竹子 (Bamboo) does not wither in winter. It is upright, neither傲 nor humble, modest, symbolizing the elegant person who does not follow the common practice.
"Bamboo and Rock" Qing Dynasty: Zheng Xie
Biting onto the green mountains firmly,
The roots are originally in the broken rocks.
Thousands of grinding and strikes still make it strong,
No matter east, west, south, or north.
Chrysanthemum:菊花 (Chrysanthemum) is not only elegant and light but also has the spirit of not fearing the severe cold, proudly fighting against frost and snow.
"Chrysanthemum" Tang Dynasty: Yuan Zhen
Autumn clusters around the house like Tao's family,
Walking around the fence, the sun is gradually slanting.
It's not that I偏爱 (prefer) chrysanthemum among flowers,
But after this flower fades, there are no more flowers.
Therefore, plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum represent the four characters of pride, seclusion, resilience, and modesty, which are what the gentlemen pursue and admire throughout their lives!
This article shares the symbolic qualities of the Four Gentlemen of Flowers and the detailed explanation of the symbolic meanings and spirit of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, hoping this article can bring you help in greenery management!