Chinese Flowers — Month Flowers in Traditional Calendar and Their Cultural Meanings
The Traditional Chinese Calendar is a Lunisolar Calendar, which includes 24 Solar Terms that correspond to the movement of the Sun, and 12 months to note the activities of the Moon.
Each month is represented by a Chinese flower with auspicious, cultural meanings, which formed the 12 flower months.
These traditional Chinese flowers have been frequently described and praised in poems, paintings, and artifacts, and each of them has a flower goddess to represent its beauty and virtues.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
January Flower Plum Blossom — Flower of Strong, Noble, and Modest
Plum Blossom, the Flower of January, is the flower of Five Blessings (in Chinese Wufu), whose five petals represent happiness, wealth, longevity, peace, and success.
They blossom in harsh winter. Therefore, the plum blossom is representative of strength and courage.
More than 3200 years ago, the plum was first used as flavorings, food, and sacrificial offerings.
Centuries later, more types and numbers of flowers were cultivated when Chinese people started to use plum blossoms in cosmetics, medications, and ornamental flowers.
January Flower Plum Blossom in Front of Zhizhi An Temple of Mount Wuyi
During the Tang (618 — 907) and Song (960 — 1279) dynasties, more scholars and artists became big fans of the beautiful flower blossoming in cold January for its attractive appearance, fragrance, and virtues.
They developed a whole ornamental theory, which includes appreciating place, time, shape, activities, etc.
Plum blossom, together with orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum (September Flower), formed the "Four Gentlemen" or "Four Noble Ones" in Chinese Art; each one represents some virtues and highly valued characters.
Since then, the plum blossom has been frequently praised in poems and artworks and is a popular decorative pattern in Chinese people's daily lives.
Poem about Plum Blossom by Wang Anshi (1021 — 1086):
墙角数枝梅，凌寒独自开。遥知不是雪，为有暗香来。
Plum Blossom Shape and Pattern Silver Liquid Container "Yu" of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 — 1279) — Nanjing Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)
February Flower Apricot Blossom — Flower of Lucky and Fortunate
Apricot blossom, the Flower of February, has the same pronunciation as "lucky" in Chinese.
Hence, it is representative of good luck and blessed life.
The blooming of the apricot flower means spring is coming.
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