What is the symbolism of plum blossoms?
This article answers the question of what symbolism plum blossoms have and briefly discusses the symbolic meaning of plum blossoms in the knowledge of gardening. Here is a comprehensive introduction.
Plum blossoms belong to the Rosaceae family, Prunus genus, and are deciduous trees. They can also refer to their fruit (plum) or flower (plum blossom). Plum blossoms usually bloom in the winter and spring seasons, and are listed together with orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums as the Four Gentlemen. They are also called the Three Companions of Winter Cold along with pine and bamboo. Plum blossoms are native to China and were later introduced to South Korea and Japan, possessing 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 grow well under conditions of sufficient sunlight and good ventilation. They are not picky about soil, are drought-resistant, cold-resistant, and afraid of waterlogging. They thrive in loose, fertile topsoil with good drainage and slightly sticky subsoil.
They prefer warm conditions and ample sunlight. Except for the杏梅系 (xingmei series) varieties that can tolerate -25°C low temperatures, they generally tolerate -10°C low temperatures. They can also withstand high temperatures, growing even at 40°C. In areas with an average annual temperature of 16-23°C, they grow and develop best. They are very sensitive to temperature, blooming when the average temperature in early spring reaches -5 to -7°C. If they encounter low temperatures, the blooming period is postponed, and if they bloom during low temperatures, the flowering period can be extended. During the growing period, they should be placed in a sunny and well-ventilated area. If they are in a shaded environment with insufficient sunlight, they will grow weakly and bloom sparingly. Do not bring them indoors too early in winter, and it is best to do so in the second half of 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°C.
Symbolic meaning of plum blossoms
1. Plum blossoms symbolize the virtue of a hermit
The famous lines by Lin Hexing describe plum blossoms vividly: "The slender shadows are oblique on the shallow clear water, the faint fragrance floats in the dusky moonlight." Plum blossoms are a pure hermit, serene and elegant, with a straightforward and upright character. Not only that, but the Southern Song Dynasty patriotic poet Lu Youzhong wrote in his plum blossom poem "Bu Suan Zi": "Unwilling to strive for spring in vain, let the flowers envy in vain, fallen into dust and ground into powder, only the fragrance remains." He uses the plum blossom to express his loneliness in not being appreciated and his determination to maintain high moral standards despite setbacks.
2. Plum blossoms symbolize a beauty defying frost and snow
Many ancient people compared the plum blossom to a beauty. The plum blossom defying frost and snow symbolizes the beauty's elegance and pride. For example, Fan Chengda wrote in his poem "After heavy snow, the plum at home has not bloomed yet, presented to Zong Wei": "Heavy snow falls again and again, the south branch still contains emotion." This integrates the beauty and plum blossom, showcasing the beauty's heroic posture.
Wind and water symbolism of plum blossoms
In feng shui, plum blossoms have four virtues: "Plum has four virtues, born as the origin, blooming as prosperity, bearing fruit as benefit, and maturing as loyalty." Plum blossoms also have five blessings: "happiness, fortune, longevity, smoothness, and peace." This wind and water symbolism is compatible with the five elements. Planting plum blossoms and bamboo in the courtyard symbolizes "double happiness," with bamboo representing the husband and plum representing the wife, often used to celebrate a new marriage and harmonious couple. A pattern of a magpie joyfully calling on a plum blossom is often called "Happy Early Spring," "Happy Spring Light," or "Joy on the Brow," using homophones or symbolism.
However, it is not suitable to hang plum blossoms in the living room, especially an old plum tree. Plum blossoms are cold in nature, and many ancient girls would draw plum blossoms to keep as a memento. If a girl's yin energy accumulates in the living room, it can even lead to a change in yin and yang, causing arguments between couples, the male head of the household to have bad luck outside, the rise of桃花 (taohua) luck, and the female head of the household to become sentimental. It is also difficult for the family to encounter benefactors, and their wealth luck will also decline.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of the symbolism of plum blossoms and a brief discussion of their symbolic meaning. I hope it helps you.