Guide to Flower Symbolism in Asian Folklore
Flowers have deep cultural, spiritual, and symbolic meanings in Asian folklore. Many are associated with love, luck, longevity, and even sorrow. Here’s a look at some of the most significant flowers in Asian traditions and their meanings.
China
1. Peony (牡丹 – Mǔdān)
Symbolism: Wealth, honor, prosperity, and love
Folklore: Known as the "King of Flowers," the peony is associated with nobility and is often linked to the Tang Dynasty. In Chinese mythology, the peony was said to bloom even when Empress Wu Zetian ordered all flowers to bloom in winter.
2. Lotus (莲花 – Liánhuā)
Symbolism: Purity, enlightenment, rebirth
Folklore: The lotus is sacred in Buddhism and represents spiritual awakening. A famous legend tells of the lotus blooming beneath the Buddha’s steps as he walked.
3. Plum Blossom (梅花 – Méihuā)
Symbolism: Resilience, perseverance, hope
Folklore: Plum blossoms bloom in the cold of winter, symbolizing strength in adversity. They are often associated with scholars and are one of the "Four Gentlemen" of Chinese art.
4. Chrysanthemum (菊花 – Júhuā)
Symbolism: Longevity, nobility, and immortality
Folklore: A Taoist tale tells of a mountain village where people lived long lives due to drinking chrysanthemum-infused water.
Japan
1. Cherry Blossom (桜 – Sakura)
Symbolism: Beauty, transience, impermanence
Folklore: In Japanese folklore, cherry blossoms represent the fleeting nature of life. Samurai warriors and kamikaze pilots saw them as symbols of noble sacrifice.
2. Wisteria (藤 – Fuji)
Symbolism: Love, patience, humility
Folklore: The famous "Tale of Princess Kaguya" describes a suitor tasked with finding a branch of a wisteria tree from paradise, symbolizing the difficulty of obtaining true love.
3. Camellia (椿 – Tsubaki)
Symbolism: Devotion, admiration, and tragic love
Folklore: Camellias were often given as romantic gifts in the samurai era. However, because the whole flower falls instead of petals, it became associated with death and warriors.
4. Red Spider Lily (彼岸花 – Higanbana)
Symbolism: Farewell, death, and the afterlife
Folklore: Legends say red spider lilies bloom along the paths of the dead. They are often planted in cemeteries and linked to lovers fated never to meet again.
India
1. Lotus (पद्म – Padma)
Symbolism: Purity, spiritual awakening, divine birth
Folklore: In Hinduism, the goddess Lakshmi is depicted sitting on a lotus, symbolizing prosperity and beauty. The lotus also represents rebirth in Buddhist traditions.
2. Jasmine (चमेली – Chameli)
Symbolism: Love, purity, good fortune
Folklore: Jasmine is sacred to Vishnu and Shiva. The divine fragrance is believed to attract love and positive energy, often woven into garlands for deities and brides.
3. Marigold (गेंदा – Genda)
Symbolism: Devotion, passion, sacrifice
Folklore: Marigolds are offered to Hindu gods, especially during Diwali, as they symbolize the light that drives away darkness and evil.
Korea
1. Mugunghwa (무궁화 – Rose of Sharon)
Symbolism: Eternal beauty, perseverance, patriotism
Folklore: This flower is Korea’s national symbol, representing the resilience of the Korean people. Its name means "eternal blossom that never fades."
2. Narcissus (수선화 – Suseonhwa)
Symbolism: Talent, virtue, renewal
Folklore: A tale speaks of a kind-hearted man who was rewarded with a field of narcissus flowers that bloomed where his tears of joy fell.
3. Forsythia (개나리 – Gaenari)
Symbolism: Hope, anticipation, good news
Folklore: Forsythias bloom in early spring and are associated with messages of prosperity and new beginnings.
Vietnam
1. Apricot Blossom (Hoa Mai)
Symbolism: Luck, prosperity, happiness
Folklore: In Vietnamese New Year (Tết) traditions, apricot blossoms are displayed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.
2. Lotus (Hoa Sen)
Symbolism: Purity, resilience, enlightenment
Folklore: The lotus is Vietnam’s national flower and represents rising from hardship to achieve greatness, much like Vietnam’s history of overcoming struggles.
Flowers in Asian folklore go beyond beauty; they are tied to deep cultural meanings, life lessons, and spiritual beliefs. Whether symbolizing love, resilience, or the afterlife, these flowers continue to be revered in traditions, literature, and festivals across Asia.
