The meanings and legends of orchids
Main text introduction: The meanings and legends of orchids and sharing the significance represented by the green orchid plants, followed by a detailed explanation of the content.
Orchids come in many varieties, each with its own unique flower language and meaning. However, the overall flower language of orchids is elegance and modesty. Orchids, along with bamboo, plum blossoms, and chrysanthemums, are known as the four gentlemen of flowers, which shows the noble quality of orchids. Keeping an orchid at home symbolizes patriotism, non-contention in the world, and the beauty of modesty, being chaste, simple, elegant, and virtuous.
Story One: Orchid and the Young Monk
— From the beautiful article by Jilina
An old monk cultivated an orchid, taking great care of its delicate beauty, often watering and weeding. Under the old monk's careful attention, the orchid grew healthy and graceful.
Once, the old monk had to go out to visit friends, so he entrusted the plant to the young monk, asking him to take care of it. The young monk was very responsible, nurturing the orchid as carefully as the old monk, and it thrived.
One day, after watering the orchid and placing it on the windowsill, the young monk went out to handle some matters. Unexpectedly, a heavy rainstorm struck, and the strong wind knocked the orchid over, damaging it. When the young monk rushed back, he saw the scattered branches and leaves on the ground, feeling very upset and afraid that the old monk would blame him.
A few days later, when the old monk returned, the young monk told him about the orchid incident and prepared to accept his blame. But the old monk said nothing. The young monk was surprised because that was the old monk's most beloved orchid.
The old monk smiled calmly and said, "I cultivate orchids, not to be angry."
Can we let go of our beloved possessions as calmly and not be moved by circumstances as the old monk did?
Orchid Story Two: The Scholar and the Orchid
— From "Folk Tales" Poetic and Calligraphic Art Collection
In ancient times, there was a scholar named Zhang in a certain village. Since childhood, Zhang was fond of poetry and was skilled in writing poetry and painting.
He was kind-hearted and has always liked to grow flowers. He often painted the flowers he planted in his courtyard with ink, and his lifelike technique was praised by everyone in the village!
However, Zhang's mother was very opposed to these flowers.
As Zhang grew up, he planted more and more flowers, which made his mother even more disgusted.
His mother often said to him, "What's the use of planting these flowers? They can't be eaten or drunk. Wouldn't it be better to plant some vegetables?"
The meanings and legends of orchids
But in response to his mother's criticism, Zhang only smiled and advised his mother not to be angry. His mother always wanted to secretly destroy the flowers, but every time she thought of her son's hard work, she felt reluctant in her heart.
Among these flowers, there was a particularly special orchid. Zhang always watered and fertilized it more. The orchid grew very beautifully!
Approaching the examination period, his mother saw him spending all his time on taking care of the flowers. In a fit of anger, she wanted to pull out these flowers. Zhang tried his best to stop her and promised to study hard, so his mother relented!
Zhang was still worried, so he moved the prominent orchid to the outside of the wall, where there was more sunlight, and the orchid bloomed even more brilliantly.
One night, while the scholar was sleeping, a fire broke out in the house. The scholar was unaware, but he felt as if someone was pushing him in his dream. When he woke up, there was no one around. He saw the fire in the house and quickly fetched water to put it out.
At this moment, a young woman in a blue dress appeared in front of Zhang. The scholar was puzzled, and the woman, after greeting him, said calmly, "Don't be afraid, young master. I am a fairy from heaven. Because I violated the heavenly rules, I was banished to the mortal world as an orchid. Thanks to your rescue that day, I survived. I came to help you tonight to repay your kindness!"
The scholar then realized, and the two of them sat up all night chatting until the rooster crowed in the village.
From then on, the young woman came to visit the scholar every night. They chatted and laughed, living a happy and carefree life!
But one night, when the two were meeting, they were seen by the scholar's mother. The mother cursed and the woman had to leave.
The mother wouldn't let it go and demanded to know the woman's background. Zhang, helpless, had to tell the truth. Upon hearing this, his mother was even more angry: "Humans and spirits have different paths. How could you degrade yourself like this? I'll put an end to your delusions!"
The mother rushed out and, with a hoe, dug up the orchid by the wall.
The next morning, the scholar looked at the withered orchid and cried bitterly.
After that, the young woman never appeared again.
The scholar dedicated himself to his studies and passed the imperial examination with flying colors. Later, he married a woman from a neighboring village named Jiang.
But this couple was unable to have children. The mother was worried and found a diviner to see if there was a problem with her son and daughter-in-law.
The diviner, after examining the couple, said, "Your family has offended a fairy, severing the lineage, and I am powerless to help!"
Saying this, the diviner shook his head and left. The mother was shocked and thought, the fairy the diviner mentioned must be the orchid!
The mother regretted her actions, falling to the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Conclusion: Through this folk tale, I hope everyone can cherish the plants around us, as they have life too!
Orchid Story Three: The姐妹 Orchids on Yulong Mountain
In the lush and verdant Yulong Mountain, there grows a rare and extraordinary pair of sister orchids, which are seldom seen in the mortal world. The sisters are equally enchanting and beautiful, but the elder sister grows high on the cliff while the younger one grows beside the winding mountain path, and they do not often see each other.