Translated directly, this means “flowering plum” or “winter plum”. Photo Credit: joka2000 at Flickr through Creative Commons Licensing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Flower_of_the_Republic_of_China However, plum blossom is also seen as symbol of luck. A plum blossom, as you might imagine, is the blossom of a plum tree. In addition, the flower often appears on traditional costumes and jewelry.The elemental balance in nature embody significant cultural values that have always been important to Chinese people. Sunflower - to have a good year. In the midst of winter, before snow melts and the swallow returns, plum trees blossom onto the barren landscape, bracing the harshness of winter and reminding people spring will come. When the term “plum blossom” is used, however, most people use it to refer to a specific variety of plum native to Asia and known as the ume plum.

The plum, together with the orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, have been named the “four nobles” of plants by the ancient Chinese, each because of its noble characteristics, such as purity (orchid), uprightness (bamboo), and humility (chrysanthemum). If you continue without changing your settings, we'll asume that you agree with cookies being used. The plum blossom is a recurring symbol within the Choy Li Fut 蔡李佛 style. Japan’s emperor used to held plum blossom viewing party each year. Plum, or Prunus mume, is an arbor that originated in southwest Plum blossoms typically have five petals, single- or multi-layered, with the colors pink/red, white, and yellow as common. This makes China’s national flower unique, separating it from other plants that don’t start blooming until springtime.Cultivated in the country for thousands of years, plum blossom has historical importance for Chinese people. Unlike the Japanese, however, the Chinese see plum blossoms as more of a symbol for winter rather than a harbinger of spring.

Chinese also see the five-petaled flower as symbolizing five blessings: longevity, prosperity, health, virtue, and good living. (Shen Yun Performing Arts)DHS Reassigns Official in Charge of Intelligence Collection on Journalists: ReportsUncontained Fire in Southern California Forces Nearly 8,000 to EvacuateNASA Astronauts Riding SpaceX Capsule Poised for Sunday ReturnReport Finds 250 US Collaborators with Chinese Military-Tied ResearchersFEMA Chief Warns Floridians to Prepare for Hurricane Isaias: ‘Don’t Bet Your Safety’‘Good Progress’ on Virus Relief Bill But Deal Still ‘Not Imminent’: MeadowsWe use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. Still, only the Plum Blossom has become China’s National Flower. Japanese plum blossom symbolizes vitality, hope, and renewal, and the flower of the humble plum tree enjoys similar symbolism in many Asian cultures.It is born of the bitter cold of winter and reminds its observers that spring will soon arrive.. Just as the blossom must endure much hardship in order to become a thing of … The plum blossom has even given rise to its own genre in paintings and poems.
In Chinese tradition, the plum blossom is one of the three “friends of winter” along with bamboo and pine. Updated: June 9, 2019 2:01 pm; Author FengShuied; If there is a flowering plant that instantly triggers an association with oriental culture, it is the plum blossom (梅花). In “Ode to Plum Blossom,” he described: The poet expressed the wish of being one with the plum blossom: Su Dongpo, also a celebrated Song Dynasty poet, is probably responsible for the style of art that focuses on portraying the inner spirit of nature, rather than its outer forms.

They bloom in spring just before the cherry blossoms. When the term “plum blossom” is used, however, most people use it to refer to a specific variety of plum native to Asia and known as the ume plum.

The five petals of a plum blossom represent five auspicious things, so hanging a plum blossom painting in your home or office is a great way to attract positive energy. The pink/red variety is used often for the Chinese New Year in late January and early February. The ume or Chinese plum tree is native to China. Sunflower - to have a good year. Extremely popular both for its beauty and benefits, Chinese officials crowned plum blossoms the national flower on July, 21 1964. Due to the plum blossom’s flowering in cold weather, it has come to symbolize winter in this context as well. For poet Lin Bu of the Song Dynasty, the flower was more than a symbol, but a friend and soul mate. Indeed, the entire Shen Yun performance can be captured by the plum blossom since, despite the suffering, hardships, and loss of Chinese culture, hope is eternal, and renewal is not far away.HOPE OF RENEWAL: As the plum blossom reminds people that spring and regeneration of life is near, Shen Yun Performing Arts brings hope through the renewal of Chinese culture.