Guide to Flower Symbolism in Chinese Characters

In Chinese culture, many flowers carry deep symbolic meanings and are often featured in literature, art, and even the characters (hanzi) themselves. Some flowers are directly embedded in Chinese characters, reflecting their cultural significance and aesthetic values.

1. Lotus (莲)

• Character: 莲 (lián, with the "艹" radical indicating a plant)

• Symbolism:

  • Purity and transcendence — "grows out of the mud unstained"

  • A sacred flower in Buddhism, symbolizing enlightenment and divinity

  • Often used in female names to represent elegance and virtue

• Famous quote:
  “Unstained despite growing from the mud, pure and elegant in clear water.”

2. Plum Blossom (梅)

• Character: 梅 (méi, composed of "木" for wood and "每")

• Symbolism:

  • Resilience and strength, blooming in winter’s cold

  • Noble character and perseverance

  • One of the “Three Friends of Winter” (along with pine and bamboo)

• Famous quote:
  “The fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold.”

3. Chrysanthemum (菊)

• Character: 菊 (jú, with "艹" and "谷")

• Symbolism:

  • Longevity, elegance, and moral integrity

  • Loved by poet Tao Yuanming, symbolizing a reclusive, peaceful life

  • An autumn flower symbolizing quiet strength

• Famous quote:
  “Plucking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, I gaze leisurely at the southern mountains.”

4. Orchid (兰)

• Character: 兰 (lán, a simple and elegant plant character)

• Symbolism:

  • The scent of a gentleman, representing refined moral character

  • Symbol of noble friendship and personal integrity

• Common expressions:
  “A chamber filled with the scent of orchids” (meaning good influences), “An orchid-like heart and wisdom”

5. Peach Blossom (桃)

• Character: 桃 (táo, composed of "木" and "兆")

• Symbolism:

  • Love, beauty, and springtime

  • Peach trees also symbolize protection against evil

  • Peach blossom luck refers to strong romantic fortune

• Famous quotes:
  “Her face glowed next to the peach blossoms,” “The peach blossoms are in full bloom — so radiant and lively.”

6. Hibiscus (芙蓉)

• Characters: 芙蓉 (fúróng, both use the "艹" radical)

• Symbolism:

  • Beauty and talent, often used to describe beautiful women

  • Also used as a poetic metaphor for cities or national beauty

• Common phrase:
  “Like a hibiscus emerging from water” — a compliment for feminine beauty

7. Peony / Peony-like Flowers (牡丹 / 芍药)

• Symbolism:

  • Wealth, prosperity, and splendor (especially the peony)

  • Shaoyao (芍药) symbolizes gentleness and romantic love

• Character structure: Most plant-related characters use the "艹" radical

The “艹” Radical in Chinese Characters

Many characters representing flowers and plants share the “艹” (grass) radical, such as: 花 (flower), 草 (grass), 茶 (tea), 药 (medicine), 菊 (chrysanthemum), 莲 (lotus), 萱 (daylily). This radical indicates the character is related to flora.