The 4 Gentlemen – Chinese Flowers

I learned about these 4 flowers while staying at my Great Uncle’s place in Shanghai. China has lots of meaning and history behind different things that you are not always aware of unless you have a local explain it to you. Luckily my new friend Wendy was able to teach me about some of these things among many others while I stayed in Shanghai. The descriptions below are quotes from Wendy while she explained these pictures to me that were hanging on the wall to my Great Uncle’s place.

Each of these 4 flowers are not the most beautiful flowers but they have their own characteristic that make them unique. People with these characteristics are respected. They are called the 4 gentleman. Humble. Different. Not in a fancy area. They are used for decorations on doors for Chinese households and represent that the owners of the house have these characteristics.

Chrysanthemum – anti-inflammatory potential, kind of people that always has their own style to behave, unique. Doesn’t flatter others
One word – light (indifferent, tasteless) in positive way, eremitic

Bamboo – keep growing step by step, humble, grows up in not very fancy area but can still grow up and appreciate themselves
One word – calm, quiet

Orchid – simple, just there, special flavor, very light, smells good. Sweet and elegant.
One word – peaceful, elegant, graceful

Plum Blossom – bloom in winter. Means you can/have endured much and still flower
One word – proud

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Hopefully you enjoyed a little piece of Chinese culture! These would make a great gift to a friend or colleague who has these traits.