Here’s a Flowerbee Florist guide on some of the key flowers associated with Chinese New Year, their meanings, and related origins or fables. These flowers are often used during the celebrations to bring luck, wealth, and happiness in the coming year.
| Flower | Meaning | Origin or Fable |
|---|---|---|
| Plum Blossom (梅花) | Hope, resilience, prosperity | The plum blossom is one of the "Four Gentlemen" in Chinese art and symbolizes perseverance. It blooms in the winter, indicating the arrival of spring and renewal. Legend has it that during a harsh winter, a plum tree was the first to bloom, signaling hope for a new year. |
| Peach Blossom (桃花) | Romance, longevity, vitality | The peach is linked to immortality in Chinese mythology. It is said that the Goddess of the West, Xi Wangmu, had a magical peach tree that bore fruit every 3,000 years, granting immortality. Peach blossoms also symbolize love and vitality. |
| Chrysanthemum (菊花) | Longevity, wealth, integrity | Chrysanthemums symbolize a long life and are often seen in Chinese New Year decorations to attract good fortune and long-lasting happiness. The flower is also associated with the famous poet Tao Yuanming, who celebrated chrysanthemums for their resilience. |
| Orchid (兰花) | Elegance, refinement, fertility | Orchids are revered for their elegance and rarity, often associated with wealth and refinement. In ancient China, orchids were a symbol of nobility, and their beauty represented the qualities of a virtuous person. |
| Narcissus (水仙) | Good luck, prosperity, fortune | Narcissus flowers are popular during Chinese New Year due to their association with good fortune. A legend says that if you plant them in your home for the New Year, the first bloom brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. |
| Lotus (荷花) | Purity, enlightenment, wealth | The lotus grows out of the mud but remains pure, symbolizing overcoming adversity and maintaining purity. In Chinese Buddhism, the lotus represents spiritual enlightenment. It is also associated with wealth, as the lotus seeds are used in Chinese cuisine. |
| Magnolia (玉兰花) | Nobility, strength, dignity | The magnolia is a symbol of nobility and strength in Chinese culture. Its large, elegant flowers reflect dignity and high status. Legends tell that magnolia trees were planted in imperial gardens as a symbol of the emperor’s might. |
| Cineraria (紫罗兰) | Protection, good fortune | Cineraria flowers are thought to ward off evil spirits and protect the home, making them a popular choice for New Year decorations. Their vibrant colors are associated with bringing joy and good fortune. |
| Jasmine (茉莉花) | Purity, elegance, grace | Jasmine flowers symbolize elegance and purity. Their delicate scent is said to bring peacefulness and serenity to a home. A legend links the jasmine to the spirit of a goddess who bestowed grace upon the earth. |
| Lily (百合花) | Prosperity, unity, happiness | The lily symbolizes harmony and togetherness. It is often associated with the wish for a prosperous and harmonious family. In ancient fables, lilies were believed to bring blessings of happiness and good fortune to the home. |
These flowers are commonly displayed and used in home decor during Chinese New Year to attract specific blessings and fortunes. Each has a symbolic meaning tied to both traditional beliefs and ancient stories that help shape the festive atmosphere.
