Why Is the Peony Known as the “King of Flowers” in China?
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The peony holds a unique status in China, being not merely a beautiful plant but a concentrated embodiment of the spirit and aesthetic sensibilities of Chinese civilization. Revered as the “King of Flowers,” it carries profound and rich symbolism within traditional Chinese culture, primarily encompassing the following aspects:
I. Flower of Prosperity: A Crown of History
The peony's elevated status originated during one of China's most glorious dynasties—the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). During this era of national strength, economic prosperity, and cultural openness, the peony's voluminous, magnificent, and resplendent form perfectly embodied the spirit of the times. Frequently featured in imperial courts and poetry, it was celebrated by poets as “the nation's beauty, heaven's fragrance.” Thus, the peony became inextricably linked with “prosperity and strength” and “national flourishing” , cementing its status as the most beautiful symbol of golden ages in the Chinese imagination.
II. The Omnipresent Symbol of Auspiciousness
Deeply ingrained in Chinese daily life, the peony stands as the foremost symbol of good fortune:
- Wealth and Prestige: Its most common connotation, representing affluence and status.
- Happiness: Frequently used in wedding decorations, signifying a harmonious marriage and family bliss.
- Auspiciousness: Paired with vases, birds, and other motifs, it conveys “peace and prosperity” and “a bright future ahead.”
Its presence is easily spotted in traditional paintings, porcelain, embroidery, architecture, and even modern product packaging. It carries all the wishes for a bright future held by ordinary families.
III. The Quintessence of Eastern Beauty
The peony's beauty defines a classic aesthetic within Chinese culture.
- Fullness and Perfection: Its large, multi-layered petals symbolize completeness, abundance, and wholeness.
- Magnificent Yet Refined: Its vibrant colors and regal posture embody the Chinese understanding of “wealth and honor”—not merely material riches, but a state of abundant living and spiritual fulfillment.
- Diversity and Harmony: From pure white to deep purple, the peony's rich palette represents inclusivity and harmony.
IV. The Power of Character: Integrity Behind the Splendor
The peony is not merely a “flower of wealth and honor”, it also possesses admirable character. A famous legend recounts: Empress Wu Zetian commanded all flowers to bloom in winter, yet the peony alone refused, earning its banishment from Chang'an. But the following year, its scorched branches (“charred bones”) blossomed with even more vibrant flowers. This tale endows the peony with unwavering conviction, defiance against tyranny, and indomitable resilience, deepening and enriching its symbolic significance.
V. The “Spokesperson” of National Spirit
Ultimately, the peony reigns supreme because it embodies the core values of the Chinese nation:
- An unyielding pursuit of prosperity and flourishing.
- An ideal of complete harmony in life.
- An aspiration for a character that values both wealth and integrity.
- A passionate affirmation of earthly happiness.
It possesses both outward splendor and inner resilience; it represents the grand narrative of the nation while also embodying the small joys of every individual.
Conclusion
So the next time you encounter a peony in Chinese art or gardens, you see more than just a flower. You witness a glorious history, a unique aesthetic philosophy, a profound set of values, and the most vivid, passionate expression of the “good life” cherished by hundreds of millions of Chinese people. This is the true meaning of the “King of Flowers.”
