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Flower Symbolism in Chinese Culture – Florist Reference Table

Primary Flowers and Their Meanings

FlowerChinese NameSymbolismCultural SignificanceOccasions/Usage
Peony牡丹 (Mǔdān)Honor, wealth, nobility, feminine beautyKnown as “King of Flowers” – represents imperial power and prosperityWeddings, New Year celebrations, honor ceremonies
Chrysanthemum菊花 (Júhuā)Longevity, nobility, autumn, perseveranceOne of the “Four Gentlemen” – symbol of scholarly pursuit and integrityAutumn festivals, funerals (white), scholarly events
Lotus莲花 (Liánhuā)Purity, enlightenment, rebirth, spiritual growthSacred in Buddhism – rises pure from muddy waterReligious ceremonies, spiritual occasions, summer festivals
Plum Blossom梅花 (Méihuā)Resilience, hope, perseverance, winter beautyOne of the “Four Gentlemen” – blooms in harsh winter conditionsNew Year, overcoming adversity, winter celebrations
Orchid兰花 (Lánhuā)Refinement, fertility, abundance, eleganceOne of the “Four Gentlemen” – represents cultured gentlemanScholarly gatherings, refined occasions, spring festivals
Bamboo竹子 (Zhúzi)Flexibility, strength, humility, integrityOne of the “Four Gentlemen” – bends but doesn’t breakAll seasons, character tributes, new beginnings

Secondary Flowers and Their Meanings

FlowerChinese NameSymbolismCultural SignificanceOccasions/Usage
Narcissus水仙 (Shuǐxiān)Good fortune, prosperity, new beginningsAssociated with Chinese New Year celebrationsSpring Festival, New Year decorations
Azalea杜鹃花 (Dùjuānhuā)Femininity, softness, devotion, passionRepresents thinking of home and loved onesMother’s Day, expressing affection
Camellia茶花 (Cháhuā)Admiration, perfection, longevitySymbol of devotion between loversRomantic occasions, expressing admiration
Jasmine茉莉花 (Mòlìhuā)Sweetness, grace, elegance, loveOften used in traditional Chinese teaWeddings, romantic gestures, tea ceremonies
Rose玫瑰 (Méiguì)Love, beauty, passionModern adoption of Western symbolismValentine’s Day, romantic occasions
Sunflower向日葵 (Xiàngrìkuí)Adoration, loyalty, longevityRepresents unwavering faith and loyaltyExpressing devotion, friendship
Magnolia玉兰花 (Yùlánhuā)Dignity, nobility, perseveranceSymbol of feminine sweetness and beautySpring celebrations, honoring women
Osmanthus桂花 (Guìhuā)Love, romance, fertility, honorAssociated with the Moon FestivalMid-Autumn Festival, romantic occasions
Hibiscus木槿 (Mùjǐn)Delicate beauty, fame, gloryRepresents gentle perseveranceSummer occasions, honoring achievements
Daffodil黄水仙 (Huáng shuǐxiān)Rebirth, new beginnings, hopeSpring flower symbolizing renewalSpring festivals, new ventures

Color Significance in Chinese Flower Symbolism

ColorMeaningCommon FlowersUsage Guidelines
RedLuck, happiness, celebration, prosperityRed roses, red chrysanthemums, red peoniesWeddings, New Year, celebrations
PinkRomance, femininity, gratitudePink peonies, pink roses, pink lotusRomantic occasions, Mother’s Day
WhitePurity, mourning, spiritualityWhite chrysanthemums, white lotus, white liliesFunerals, spiritual ceremonies
YellowImperial power, wisdom, friendshipYellow chrysanthemums, sunflowersHonoring achievements, friendship
PurpleNobility, spirituality, mysteryPurple orchids, purple irisSpiritual occasions, honoring elders

Seasonal Flower Associations

SeasonPrimary FlowersSymbolismTraditional Usage
SpringPeach blossoms, cherry blossoms, magnoliaRenewal, new beginnings, fertilityNew Year celebrations, weddings
SummerLotus, hibiscus, jasmineGrowth, abundance, spiritual puritySummer festivals, spiritual ceremonies
AutumnChrysanthemums, osmanthusLongevity, harvest, reflectionMid-Autumn Festival, honoring elders
WinterPlum blossoms, narcissus, camelliaPerseverance, hope, inner strengthWinter solstice, overcoming challenges

Special Combinations and Arrangements

CombinationMeaningOccasion
Peony + ChrysanthemumWealth and longevityBirthday celebrations for elders
Lotus + BambooPurity and integrityScholarly achievements
Plum + Orchid + Bamboo + ChrysanthemumThe “Four Gentlemen” – complete virtueHonoring exemplary character
Peony + Phoenix imageryFeminine power and beautyBridal celebrations
Osmanthus + Moon imageryReunion and harmonyMid-Autumn Festival

Numbers and Flower Arrangements

NumberSignificanceFlower Arrangement Guidelines
1Solitude, independenceSingle statement flowers
2Pairs, couples, harmonyWedding arrangements
3Growth, creativitySpring arrangements
4Avoided – sounds like “death”Never use in celebratory arrangements
6Smooth, everything goes wellBusiness openings, good luck
8Prosperity, good fortuneNew Year, wealth celebrations
9Longevity, eternityBirthday celebrations, anniversaries

Modern Florist Applications

Wedding Arrangements

  • Primary: Peonies (honor/wealth) + Lotus (purity) + Red roses (love)
  • Avoid: White chrysanthemums (mourning), groups of 4 flowers

Funeral Arrangements

  • Primary: White chrysanthemums + White lilies + White lotus
  • Avoid: Red flowers, celebratory combinations

Business Openings

  • Primary: Sunflowers (loyalty) + Yellow chrysanthemums (prosperity) + Bamboo
  • Numbers: Arrangements of 6 or 8 flowers

New Year Celebrations

  • Primary: Narcissus + Plum blossoms + Peonies in red/pink
  • Avoid: White flowers, autumn flowers

Note: This table represents traditional Chinese cultural symbolism. Modern interpretations may vary, and it’s important to consider regional differences and personal preferences when creating arrangements.