A Complete Analysis of the Flower Language and Legends of the Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a common garden shrub flower species, also known as Li plum blossom, white hibiscus, palm tree flower, etc. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree of the Malvaceae family, Hibiscus genus, with brilliant colors. It is often an excellent plant for freely growing flower hedges, suitable for planting along roadsides, in parks, courtyards and other places. It can be planted alone, in rows or in patches. Now let us take a look at the flower language and legends of the hibiscus!
The Flower Language of Hibiscus
Resilience, simplicity, eternity, beauty. Hibiscus flowers bloom in the morning and fall at dusk, but every withering is for the sake of a more splendid bloom next time. Just like the sun that constantly sets and rises, like spring going and autumn coming as the four seasons cycle, yet life goes on endlessly. It is even more like loving a person: there will be low points, there will be disturbances, but those who understand love will still persist gently. Because they understand that ups and downs are always inevitable, but nothing will make them waver in their original choice; the faith in love remains eternal and unchanging.
The Symbolism of Hibiscus
Resilience, eternal beauty. Hibiscus has strong vitality, and the flower symbolizes a character that remains firm in purpose despite enduring hardships. It also symbolizes prosperity, as well as nostalgia and valuing loyalty and righteousness. The national emblem of South Korea features the national flower hibiscus as its main element. Many flower buds grow on the branches of the hibiscus. After one flower withers, the other buds will continue to bloom one after another. Therefore, South Koreans also call it “Mugunghwa” (the flower of infinity), symbolizing the national spirit of endless life from generation to generation. The white hibiscus can also represent a noble and aloof national spirit. Hibiscus is also the national flower of Malaysia.
The Legend of Hibiscus
In ancient times, east of the ancient capital Qiu there was a hill called Lishan. At the foot of Lishan grew three clumps of hibiscus, as tall as two zhang, with crowns spanning a mu. Every summer and autumn, flowers bloomed all over the trees, gorgeous as brocade. One early autumn season, the so-called “Four Fiends” - “Hundun”, “Qiongqi”, “Taowu”, and “Taotie” - also came to Lishan to sightsee.
Seeing this beautiful scene, they immediately harbored evil intentions, vainly attempting to transplant them and claim them as their own. So the “Four Fiends” launched a battle at Lishan over the hibiscus. The “Four Fiends” and their subordinates all fought until their heads were bloody, and finally dug up the three clumps of hibiscus. Strangely enough, as soon as the hibiscus trees fell, they quickly withered, even the flowers perished and the leaves fell.
Seeing this sight, the “Four Fiends” reckoned that even if they took them back, it would be hard for them to survive, so one by one they left Lishan dejected. Yu Shun, who was leading farmers in cultivation at Lishan, came upon hearing the news. He called the farmers to lift up the three clumps of hibiscus and draw water to irrigate them. A miracle appeared: the branches and leaves of the three clumps of hibiscus immediately revived, and the flowers bloomed as before. Yu Shun smiled, and the farmers rejoiced.
To repay Yu Shun's kindness in saving their lives, the hibiscus fairies took Yu Shun's personal name as their surname in commemoration. Yu Shun understood this very clearly in his heart. It turned out that on the night the hibiscus revived, Yu Shun saw the fair faces of three fairies in his dream, and they informed him of the above matters. In his hazy state, Yu Shun saw three fairy maidens floating over. Looking closely, each face was like a peach blossom, like three lotuses emerging from water.
Just as Yu Shun was gazing spellbound, he saw the three fairies make a wanfu salute and call him “benefactor”. Yu Shun was at a loss and asked blankly: “Where do you come from, and why do you call me benefactor?” The three fairies smiled and said: “We are not human; we are hibiscus fairies. Thanks to your rescue, benefactor, we were able to preserve our bodies.” Hearing this, Yu Shun hastily rose and made a deep bow, saying: “I did not know immortals had descended; I have failed in proper etiquette. I hope the exalted immortals will forgive me.”.
Hearing this, the three fairies could not help but laugh. One fairy said solemnly: “We sisters are merely members of the hundred flowers; you, benefactor, are a favored son of heaven. How dare we trouble you with grand etiquette? Moreover, we sisters have already reported to the Heavenly Emperor and taken your name, Shun, as our surname, to repay your great kindness.” Yu Shun was about to ask again, but the fair figures had already vanished, and only streaks of moonlight remained before the bed. After Yu Shun moved to Fuxia, he divided the clumps and transplanted them within the new city, and the hibiscus branches flourished and leaves grew luxuriantly. After ascending the throne as emperor, he again transplanted them to Pugu, and the hibiscus bloomed in abundance like brocade.