What is the symbolism and flower language of orchids? Learn about the world's flower language knowledge

  Orchids, a traditional famous flower of China, are a flower known for their fragrance. Their delicate fragrance is pure and far-reaching; a single stem in a room fills the whole house with scent. The ancients praised it saying: “the fragrance of the orchid covers a whole nation,” hence the alternative name “national fragrance.”

  The orchid's leaves stay green all year round; they are many but not messy, able to rise and bend freely, with an elegant posture and unique charm. Since ancient times in China, there has been a saying about orchids that looking at the leaves is better than looking at the flowers. Its flowers are plain and not gaudy, standing gracefully.

  With its distinctive leaves, flowers and fragrance, the orchid uniquely possesses the Four Pure Qualities (pure air, pure color, pure spirit, pure charm), giving people an image of the highest purity and elegance. Famous people ancient and modern have held it in extremely high regard, and it is likened to the gentleman among flowers. Among ancient literati, the beauty of poetry and prose was often likened to “orchid writing,” true friendship to an “orchid bond,” and a good friend to an “orchid guest.”

  The orchid has an intoxicating delicate fragrance; the blossoming flowers, some simple, some flamboyant, some exquisite and pure and elegant, are brilliant and beautiful; the orchid has soft, elegant colors, bringing a sense of quiet seclusion, with a light floral scent, coldly beautiful yet fragrant. Though it is neither gaudy nor showy, it is like a modest gentleman, seemingly symbolizing all beautiful things.

  The orchid is a precious, magical herbaceous plant. It grows in deep mountains and wild forests, “evergreen against bitter cold, smiling through midsummer” (a line by Zhang Xueliang), with noble character, elegant branches and leaves, and fresh, delicate floral fragrance. It is a spirit, an art, a sentiment and a realm, a culture rooted in the long history of the Chinese nation. Its character and style have become a symbol of the ideal personality of the Chinese people.

  1. Symbolism: the bond of brothers

  For example, "orchid and osmanthus blooming together" (orchid, osmanthus) symbolizes lasting virtue and enduring prosperity, that is, leaving kindness to later generations, and is also used to praise others' flourishing descendants. Later the orchid also extended to multiple meanings, such as calling a fine piece of writing an “orchid writing,” a complimentary term for another's children “orchid jade,” and sworn brotherhood formed through compatible friendship “a golden orchid bond,” etc.

  Recalling the grand occasion of the Beijing Orchid Conference

  2. Symbolism: nobility, standing for purity, elegance, patriotism and unwavering loyalty

  Since ancient times, people have regarded the orchid as a symbol of purity, elegance, patriotism and unwavering loyalty; the orchid symbolizes nobility. With its plain elegance, dignified floral appearance and pure, far-reaching fragrance, it has always been a symbol of noble character. The poet Qu Yuan loved orchids extremely, and in his immortal work "Li Sao," excellent lines praising orchids appear in many places. The secluded orchid grows in the front courtyard, holding its fragrance awaiting the clear breeze.