Difference Between梅花 (Plum Blossoms) and 桃花 (Peach Blossoms)
Core introduction to the main content: Knowledge about the differences between plum blossoms and peach blossoms is as follows:
Plum blossoms and peach blossoms are both very important flowers in traditional Chinese culture, but they each have their own symbolic meanings and characteristics. This article will elaborate on the differences between plum blossoms and peach blossoms.
1. Appearance Features
Plum blossoms and peach blossoms have significant differences in appearance.
Plum blossoms are flowers that bloom in spring, with petals in light pink or white, having five petals, usually small, only 2-3 centimeters. Moreover, plum blossoms bloom earlier, flowering even in the cold winter, standing proudly in the cold wind, presenting a unique scenery.
Peach blossoms, on the other hand, are large flowers that resemble peonies and bloom in spring. They have large and thick flowers with deep pink or light pink petals, shaped somewhat like flattened spheres, displaying a very colorful and vibrant look. The diameter of the flowers is usually between 4-8 centimeters, the blooms are full, and they only bloom for a short period, generally 2-3 days.
2. Symbolic Meanings
Both plum blossoms and peach blossoms have important symbolic meanings in Chinese traditional culture.
Plum blossoms are culturally endowed with noble sentiment connotations, representing the spirit of resilience, sophistication, and pride. They are like the plum in the snow, blooming early in spring, and those who坚持 self and bravely strive will prefer plum blossoms. The "ice肌玉骨" and "fragrance" of plum blossoms demand that people possess lofty character and noble personality, which is admirable.
Peach blossoms, on the other hand, symbolize beauty, romance, youth, and love, implying flourishing, joyous vibes, and continuous vitality. Traditional culture believes that peach blossoms are the messengers and symbols of love, signifying beautiful, prosperous, and peaceful love. The bright, delicate, pure, and warm beauty of peach blossoms is a symbol of the love people yearn for.
3. Customary Practices
Plum blossoms and peach blossoms also hold a significant place in Chinese customs and traditions.
Plum blossoms are the representatives of traditional northern painting and appreciation of plum blossoms, while the south also enjoys hosting plum blossom cultural activities. In the south, plum blossom appreciation has even been listed as an intangible cultural heritage. During plum blossom appreciation, people enjoy artistic activities such as lantern festivals, tea gatherings, poetry recitals, and music concerts, to express their appreciation for the noble and elegant plum blossoms.
Peach blossoms are deeply loved by people, and many go out to enjoy the greenery when peach blossoms are in full bloom. Many places also host peach blossom festivals and peach blossom cultural tourism festivals, attracting tourists from all over. Peach blossoms are also part of the story of the seven fairy maids in China, symbolizing beauty, prosperity, and happiness.
4. Uses and Medicinal Value
Plum blossoms and peach blossoms also have many uses and medicinal values.
The fruit of plum blossoms, plums, can be eaten, rich in vitamin C and fiber. The plum ketone extracted from plum blossoms has the effect of stopping cough and asthma, and moisturizing the throat, making it an important raw material in the production of traditional Chinese medicine and cosmetics.
Peach blossoms are also medicinal herbs, and compounds with significant antioxidant effects and the ability to improve skin luster can be extracted from peach tree petals. Peach blossoms contain many polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and catechins, which have extremely strong antioxidant and anti-cancer effects and are therefore very valuable in the medical field.
Conclusion
Although plum blossoms and peach blossoms are both representative flowers of spring, they have significant differences in symbolic meanings, appearance features, customary practices, and uses. Thinking of resilience when seeing plum blossoms and love when seeing peach blossoms, these all have magical cultural connotations that are worth our in-depth understanding and inheritance.
The introduction above about the differences between plum blossoms and peach blossoms is hoped to be liked by everyone!