Why is gardenia unlucky?
The pure white and fragrant gardenia has always been controversial. Some people love its elegant temperament, while others have doubts because of traditional concepts. As one of the top ten famous traditional flowers in China, the cultural symbol of gardenia is far deeper than the appearance. This article will take you into this contradictory flower world and interpret its cultural code and scientific conservation methods. The cultural origin of gardenia taboos The symbol of white flowers has evolved in traditional China customs, and white is often associated with funeral culture. According to the Book of Rites, it was a custom to use white flags to mourn during the Qin and Han Dynasties. This cultural memory has caused some elderly people to have a taboo about white flowers, especially putting gardenias in the bedroom or porch. Disenchantment from a scientific perspective Modern botanical research shows that gardenia is not only harmless, but also has significant ecological value: 1. Air purification capacity: It can absorb more than 80% of indoor sulfur dioxide 2. Aromatherapy effect: Volatile essential oils can relieve anxiety 3. Day-and-night oxygen supply characteristics: The photosynthesis efficiency is 30% higher than that of ordinary green plants. The romantic interpretation of the legend of gardenia. The classic motif of immortal love. In the version circulated in Yuyao, Zhejiang, the flower trees transformed by the seven fairies were saved by a young florist. The legend of knowing each other gave rise to the growth characteristic of "closing at night and opening in the morning." This legend has an interesting echo with the "Emperor's Daughter's Mulberry" recorded in the Book of Mountains and Seas. Cultural metaphors of love tokens During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, women in the south of the Yangtze River often used gardenia as a token of love: ·The number of petals symbolizes the oath of love·The lasting fragrance of flowers symbolizes the eternal love·The purity and perfection represent loyalty. The philosophy of modern home placement suggests that gardenia be placed on a balcony or study in the southeast direction, combined with red pottery flowerpots to enhance the enjoyment. If you still have concerns, you can combine it with warm flowers such as red tinder and rhododendrons to form color balance. Regular pruning of residual flowers can maintain plant vitality and extend flowering to 3 months.
Looking at the essence through the phenomena, the so-called "bad luck" of gardenia is actually a misunderstanding of cultural symbols. This plant, which integrates ornamental, medicinal and cultural values, is returning to modern life with a new attitude, continuing to write thousand-year flower stories in every inch.