What is the symbolic meaning of plum blossoms?
This article introduces the symbolic meaning of plum blossoms and a brief discussion on the flower language and connotations of plum blossoms. Next, the editor will provide an introduction.
Plum blossoms belong to the Rosaceae family, Prunus genus, deciduous trees, and sometimes refer to their fruit (plum) or flower (plum blossom). Plum blossoms usually bloom in the winter and spring seasons, and are listed with orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums as the Four Gentlemen, as well as with pine trees and bamboo as the Companions of Cold Winter. Plum blossoms are native to China and were later introduced to South Korea and Japan, holding significant ornamental and medicinal values. What is the symbolic meaning of plum blossoms?
Growth habits of plum blossoms
Plum blossoms prefer warm and humid climates and can grow well under conditions of sufficient sunlight and good ventilation. They are not strict about soil requirements, are drought-resistant, cold-tolerant, and afraid of waterlogging. They are suitable for growing in loose, fertile topsoil, well-drained, slightly sticky wet soil.
They prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.除了杏梅系品种能耐-25℃低温外，一般耐-10℃低温. They can tolerate high temperatures and can grow at 40℃. In areas with an average annual temperature of 16-23℃, they grow and develop best. They are very sensitive to temperature, blooming when the average temperature in early spring reaches -5 to -7℃, and if encountering low temperatures, the blooming period is delayed. If it encounters low temperatures during blooming, the flowering period can be extended. During the growing period, they should be placed in a sunny and well-ventilated area. If in a shaded environment with insufficient sunlight, they will grow weakly and bloom sparsely. Do not bring them indoors too early in winter, it is suitable to do so in late November, allowing the flower buds to go through the vernalization stage. In winter, they should be placed in a sunny indoor area with a temperature of around 5℃.
The symbolic meaning of plum blossoms
1. Plum blossoms symbolize the virtuous and reclusive
The famous lines by Lin Hexing, "The sparse shadows cross the shallow water, the faint fragrance floats at dusk," vividly depict plum blossoms. Plum blossoms are a virtuous and reclusive figure, pure and elegant, with a straightforward and sturdy character. Not only that, but the patriotic poet Lu You also wrote about plum blossoms in his poem "Bu Suan Zi," saying, "Unwilling to struggle for spring, I let the flowers envy, even if I fall into dust, only the fragrance remains." He used the plum blossom to express his loneliness of being unappreciated and his determination to maintain noble character and integrity despite setbacks.
2. Plum blossoms symbolize the frost-defying and snow surpassing beauty
Many ancients compared beauty to plum blossoms, which defy frost and surpass snow, symbolizing beauty and pride. For example, Fan Chengda wrote in "After Snow, the plum at the guard's home has not bloomed, presented to Zongwei": "The auspicious snow is white again and again, the south branch still contains affection. I am sure that the flower girl is unwilling to marry a bride." The "Jinling Chronicles" have the legend that "Song Emperor Wu's daughter, Shouyang Princess, lay under the eaves of the Hanzhang Hall, and plum blossoms fell on her forehead, forming a five-petal flower that would not come off. The palace maids all imitated it." This integrates beauty and plum blossoms, showcasing the beauty's heroic posture.
The风水 symbolic meaning of plum blossoms
In Feng Shui, plum blossoms have four virtues: "Plum has four virtues, born as the origin, blooming as the prosperity, bearing fruit as the benefit, and maturing as the integrity." Plum blossoms also have five blessings: "Joy, Happiness, Longevity, Smooth Sailing, and Peace." This Feng Shui's five elements are compatible. Planting plum blossoms and bamboo in the courtyard has the intention of "Bamboo and Plum Double Happiness," using bamboo to symbolize the husband and plum to symbolize the wife, often used to celebrate a new marriage and harmonious couple. The pattern of magpies happily calling on plum blossoms is often called "Early Spring Greetings," "Greeting Spring Light," "Joy on the Brow," using homophones or connotations.
However, it is not suitable to hang plum blossoms in the living room, especially an old plum tree. Plum blossoms are cold, and many ancient girls would draw red plum blossoms as a memorial. If there are too many yin energies from girls in the living room, it may even lead to a change in yin and yang, causing the couple to argue easily, the male host to have bad luck outside, the peach blossom luck to rise, and the female host to become sentimental. It is also difficult for the family to encounter benefactors, and the financial luck will also decrease.
Have you understood the introduction above about the symbolic meaning of plum blossoms, a brief discussion on the flower language and connotations of plum blossoms?