WHAT SYMBOLISMS DO
the four seasons). These four ‘Gentlemen’ are not only found in art and Chinese literature, but also used to decorate houses or offices.
TREES HAVE IN CHINESE
Orchids (蘭)are seemingly quite fragile, but their soft, rather muted scent has bought them to symbolise elegance. Chrysanthemums (菊) are in their colourful bloom during autumn, which is when a lot of flowers fade. Due to this, they symbolise longevity and cleansing qualities.
CULTURE? Millie Bance (WHS) Although seemingly insignificant and mundane to our everyday life, trees, as well as humans, have unique qualities and characteristics of their own. Upon researching, I found that many species of flora each have their own traits that they symbolise, which have sprouted from their natural features. Digging deeper into what these trees represent, I found that these symbols are most known about in Chinese culture, especially in an artistic way.
One of the main three trees is the pine tree (松樹). It symbolises longevity, endurance and a long life. Pine trees are often paired with peaches, deer and the god Sau (of longevity).
The second is the bamboo tree (竹), which signifies resilience, youth and strength. These characteristics are due to its hollow centre, making it a very hardy type of tree.
Nong, J. (Qing Dynasty, 1636 - 1912). 梅花 [Plum Blossoms].
Finally, plum trees (梅子) stepped out to me as another one of the more significant tree species. It is meant to show bravery, hope and unafraid of difficulties. These qualities came about due to the fact the plum tree will usually blossom during the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar year, which is just at the end of winter. What is most interesting though, is the depiction of all of these three trees together in Chinese art. They are normally called the ‘Three Friends of Winter’ (寒三 友) due to the fact that they do not wilt, but rather flourish in the coldest season, unlike many plants. This ‘motif ’ is thought of as a good thing to send those who are poor or lonely, since the trio signifies resilience and hope even in the toughest of times. They were very common in old Chinese arts, first recorded in a poem by Zhu Qingyu, during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). Since then, this symbol has spread throughout Asia, to countries such as South Korea and Japan. For example, you may see these three trees on Japanese greeting cards celebrating the New Year or in one of Korean poet Kim Yuki’s poems.
Mengjian, Z. (Song Dynasty, 960 - 1279). 寒三友 [Three Friends of Winter]. Taipei: National Palace Museum Bibliography Chao, J. (2014). Tree Symbolism in Chinese Culture. Los Angeles: Industrial District Green Symbolism of Flowers, Fruits and Trees in Chinese Decoration and Decorative Arts. Nations Online The ‘’Four Gentlemen’’ in Chinese Painting (2017). Manchester: Manchester Confucius Institute
In addition to this very beautiful personification of the three companions that stick together and bear the brutalities of winter, or life, is another unique group called the ‘Four Gentlemen’ (花中四君子). This refers to not only the bamboo and plum tree, but also orchids and chrysanthemums. They became a big staple in Chinese art due to their refined beauty and range in moral character (each one symbolises one of
Nong, J. (Qing Dynasty, 1636 - 1912). 梅花 [Plum Blossoms].
6
