Plum Blossom
Ink Plum, Yuan Dynasty
Wang Mian
Scroll, Ink on paper
China
Wang Mian
Scroll, Ink on paper
China
A distinct Asian tree species related to both plums and apricot trees are classified as Prunus mume which common name Chinese Plum (loquat) or the Japanese apricot. The flower that this tree created is called the plum blossom. In English, the fruit is referred to as plum, but it is closely related to the apricot.
The plum tree originated in southern mainland China near the Yangtze River. Over time, the tree has been cultivated in the southern countries of Asia, such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, along with areas in Europe, North and South America, and Africa. Plum trees are found in sparse forests, stream sides, forested slopes along trails and mountains. Researchers assume Chinese explorers brought the seeds to America and had been offered during trade with Asia, Europe, and Africa.
The tree's bloom starts in late winter, and early spring is highly regarded as a seasonal symbol in the Asian community. The plum tree first blossoms into a light yellow, pink, or white flower and calmly sit on the branch waiting for the fruit to form. When the flowers bloom, they produce a fragrant, refreshing, and soothing scent. The scent conveys the sweet pleasures of daily life and togetherness. It is said in an old proverb, “They’ve promised that they will always be there for each other until the end of the world.” The fragrance is so vibrant it can still be smelled during the coldest days of winter.
The plum blossom is one of the most beloved flowers in Chinese culture, used in art, poetry, literature, myths, and legends. The blossoms carry any meaning which is different then from the meaning of the fragrance, such as value and virtue, perseverance and hope, beauty and purity, but also revolutionary struggle.
The plum blossom has inspired all Asian cultures differently, depending on the meaning and how the blossom, the branch or the tree is displayed. But in modern day you can see the flower as the logo on the tail of the China Airlines airplanes in five soft pink petals.
And if you are thinking about the fruit, the plum trees fruit is used for juices, alcohol, sauces, and medicine. All of which have been passed down from generations and still continue to be used today.