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Flower Symbolism in Chinese Culture – Florist Reference Table
Primary Flowers and Their Meanings
| Flower | Chinese Name | Symbolism | Cultural Significance | Occasions/Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peony | 牡丹 (Mǔdān) | Honor, wealth, nobility, feminine beauty | Known as “King of Flowers” – represents imperial power and prosperity | Weddings, New Year celebrations, honor ceremonies |
| Chrysanthemum | 菊花 (Júhuā) | Longevity, nobility, autumn, perseverance | One of the “Four Gentlemen” – symbol of scholarly pursuit and integrity | Autumn festivals, funerals (white), scholarly events |
| Lotus | 莲花 (Liánhuā) | Purity, enlightenment, rebirth, spiritual growth | Sacred in Buddhism – rises pure from muddy water | Religious ceremonies, spiritual occasions, summer festivals |
| Plum Blossom | 梅花 (Méihuā) | Resilience, hope, perseverance, winter beauty | One of the “Four Gentlemen” – blooms in harsh winter conditions | New Year, overcoming adversity, winter celebrations |
| Orchid | 兰花 (Lánhuā) | Refinement, fertility, abundance, elegance | One of the “Four Gentlemen” – represents cultured gentleman | Scholarly gatherings, refined occasions, spring festivals |
| Bamboo | 竹子 (Zhúzi) | Flexibility, strength, humility, integrity | One of the “Four Gentlemen” – bends but doesn’t break | All seasons, character tributes, new beginnings |
Secondary Flowers and Their Meanings
| Flower | Chinese Name | Symbolism | Cultural Significance | Occasions/Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narcissus | 水仙 (Shuǐxiān) | Good fortune, prosperity, new beginnings | Associated with Chinese New Year celebrations | Spring Festival, New Year decorations |
| Azalea | 杜鹃花 (Dùjuānhuā) | Femininity, softness, devotion, passion | Represents thinking of home and loved ones | Mother’s Day, expressing affection |
| Camellia | 茶花 (Cháhuā) | Admiration, perfection, longevity | Symbol of devotion between lovers | Romantic occasions, expressing admiration |
| Jasmine | 茉莉花 (Mòlìhuā) | Sweetness, grace, elegance, love | Often used in traditional Chinese tea | Weddings, romantic gestures, tea ceremonies |
| 玫瑰 | 玫瑰 (Méiguì) | Love, beauty, passion | Modern adoption of Western symbolism | Valentine’s Day, romantic occasions |
| Sunflower | 向日葵 (Xiàngrìkuí) | Adoration, loyalty, longevity | Represents unwavering faith and loyalty | Expressing devotion, friendship |
| Magnolia | 玉兰花 (Yùlánhuā) | Dignity, nobility, perseverance | Symbol of feminine sweetness and beauty | Spring celebrations, honoring women |
| Osmanthus | 桂花 (Guìhuā) | Love, romance, fertility, honor | Associated with the Moon Festival | Mid-Autumn Festival, romantic occasions |
| Hibiscus | 木槿 (Mùjǐn) | Delicate beauty, fame, glory | Represents gentle perseverance | Summer occasions, honoring achievements |
| Daffodil | 黄水仙 (Huáng shuǐxiān) | Rebirth, new beginnings, hope | Spring flower symbolizing renewal | Spring festivals, new ventures |
Color Significance in Chinese Flower Symbolism
| Color | Meaning | Common Flowers | Usage Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Luck, happiness, celebration, prosperity | Red roses, red chrysanthemums, red peonies | Weddings, New Year, celebrations |
| Pink | Romance, femininity, gratitude | Pink peonies, pink roses, pink lotus | Romantic occasions, Mother’s Day |
| White | Purity, mourning, spirituality | White chrysanthemums, white lotus, white lilies | Funerals, spiritual ceremonies |
| Yellow | Imperial power, wisdom, friendship | Yellow chrysanthemums, sunflowers | Honoring achievements, friendship |
| Purple | Nobility, spirituality, mystery | Purple orchids, purple iris | Spiritual occasions, honoring elders |
Seasonal Flower Associations
| Season | Primary Flowers | Symbolism | Traditional Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, magnolia | Renewal, new beginnings, fertility | New Year celebrations, weddings |
| Summer | Lotus, hibiscus, jasmine | Growth, abundance, spiritual purity | Summer festivals, spiritual ceremonies |
| Autumn | Chrysanthemums, osmanthus | Longevity, harvest, reflection | Mid-Autumn Festival, honoring elders |
| Winter | Plum blossoms, narcissus, camellia | Perseverance, hope, inner strength | Winter solstice, overcoming challenges |
Special Combinations and Arrangements
| Combination | Meaning | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Peony + Chrysanthemum | Wealth and longevity | Birthday celebrations for elders |
| Lotus + Bamboo | Purity and integrity | Scholarly achievements |
| Plum + Orchid + Bamboo + Chrysanthemum | The “Four Gentlemen” – complete virtue | Honoring exemplary character |
| Peony + Phoenix imagery | Feminine power and beauty | Bridal celebrations |
| Osmanthus + Moon imagery | Reunion and harmony | Mid-Autumn Festival |
Numbers and Flower Arrangements
| Number | Significance | Flower Arrangement Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solitude, independence | Single statement flowers |
| 2 | Pairs, couples, harmony | Wedding arrangements |
| 3 | Growth, creativity | Spring arrangements |
| 4 | Avoided – sounds like “death” | Never use in celebratory arrangements |
| 6 | Smooth, everything goes well | Business openings, good luck |
| 8 | Prosperity, good fortune | New Year, wealth celebrations |
| 9 | Longevity, eternity | Birthday 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.