Flower symbolism is important in many cultures, including China. Specific flowers have clear meanings and can be important in art and gift-giving. Peonies, chrysanthemums, lotuses, and orchids are common in Chinese symbolism, while white flowers and odd numbers are considered unlucky.
Flower symbolism is an important part of many cultures; many Westerners, for example, associate the rose with love and the calla lilies with death. Flower symbolism is quite ancient, and many historians have traced flower symbolism through art, poetry, and music. In China and Asia, the symbolic meanings of flowers are often very important and people must take care to give appropriate flowers as gifts or offerings in the temple. The wrong flowers could be considered very offensive.
Knowing the symbolism of flowers in China can also be helpful if you are interested in Chinese art and culture. By understanding what the various flowers mean, you may be able to read additional context into artwork. Specific flowers have very clear meanings and flower arrangements can also be important. Many art museums specializing in Asian art have regular exhibitions of floral art, along with explanations of their meanings, if you’re interested in learning more specifically about flowers in Chinese art.
One of the best known Chinese flowers is the peony, considered a symbol of China itself, along with the plum blossom. Chrysanthemums also frequently appear in Chinese art and floral displays, signifying happiness, good luck, and long life. This meaning is also true in Japan. Another frequent appearance in Chinese flower symbolism is the lotus, which has a special significance in Buddhism. Lotuses signify enlightenment and purity, as they emerge from the mud to unfold in beauty. Bamboo is also associated with enlightenment, with each segment representing a step on the path to enlightenment.
Carnations are associated with marriage in China, as are orchids, which indicate fertility and abundance. Peaches are associated with longevity and their blooms are considered sacred. A gift of daffodil indicates a desire for talent to flourish in terms of Chinese flower symbolism, and is considered an excellent gift for someone embarking on a new career. Hydrangeas are said to suggest love, gratitude and enlightenment, while cedar or Buddha’s hand is given for luck and happiness. Tangerines with leaves are also particularly lucky and are often given as gifts on Chinese New Year.
If you’re considering giving flowers to someone of Chinese descent, remember that an odd number of flowers is considered a bit unlucky. A gift of a couple or an even number is appropriate, as it suggests wishes of good luck and happiness. You should also avoid giving white flowers, as this color symbolizes tears, death, and mourning. Red is a particularly lucky and favorite color in much of China, and is very appropriate for weddings.
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