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Plums and Plum Blossoms: Do you know their true relationship?
In East Asian cultures, the connection between plum blossoms and plums is deeply rooted, but many people still know little about their true relationship. Plum comes from the plum tree (Prunus mume), a tree species that has long been cultivated in southern China. This tree is appreciated not only for its beautiful flowers but also for its edible fruits. In this article, we will delve into the differences between plums and plum blossoms and reveal the historical and cultural significance behind them.
The origin and characteristics of plum trees
Plum trees originated in the Yangtze River Basin of China and gradually spread to Japan, South Korea and Vietnam over time. The tree typically grows between 4 and 10 meters tall and blooms in mid-winter, between January and February. Plum blossoms are about 2 to 2.5 centimeters in diameter, exude a rich fragrance, and come in different colors such as white, pink and red.
Plum blossoms are a beloved theme in traditional Chinese culture, often appearing in poetry and paintings, and their gorgeous blooms symbolize resilience and hope.
The actual relationship between plums and plum blossoms
Despite similar names, plums and plum blossoms represent different parts of the same plant. Plum blossoms are the flowers of the plum tree, which usually bloom in the cold winter, while plums are the fruits of the tree, which usually mature in the summer months of June to July. In East Asian cuisine, plum fruits are widely used to make drinks, seasonings and alcoholic beverages.
Dietary uses of plums
In China, plums are often used to make sour plum soup, a smoked plum drink with a sweet and sour taste, cool and delicious. In Japan, green plums are used to make plum wine, which is soaked in green plums and alcohol and has a sweet taste. The most popular one is Umeshu. In Korea, berry tea and plum tea are also very popular drinks, fully demonstrating the diverse uses of plums.
Plum wine is produced in China, South Korea and Japan. It is a common alcoholic drink in these areas and is loved by locals.
The cultural significance of plum blossoms
Plum blossoms have deep symbolic meaning in East Asian culture. In Chinese culture, plum blossoms symbolize perseverance and purity because they can bloom in the cold winds of winter and convey a message of hope. Plum blossoms are regarded as representative of traditional art and are a recurring theme in poetry and paintings.
Performance of plum blossoms in art and literature
Many Chinese poets such as Lin Bu praised the beauty of plum blossoms in their poems. Plum blossoms not only symbolize the arrival of winter, but are also endowed with moral connotations, representing moral character and virtue. The number of petals of a plum blossom is exactly five, which is considered to symbolize the five blessings of wealth, health, moral character, peace and natural death.
The beauty of plum blossoms made it the favorite of literati, inspiring countless moving poems and paintings.
Festival celebration of plum blossoms
When plum blossoms are in full bloom every year, plum blossom festivals held in various places attract many tourists to enjoy the fairyland-like scene on earth. The blooming of plum blossoms symbolizes the coming of spring. Many people will enjoy the flowers, drink tea and enjoy the tranquility brought by plum blossoms at this time.
Conclusion
The relationship between plums and plum blossoms is not only a botanical connection, but also contains rich cultural and historical significance. The story of the two is spread in every corner of East Asia, blending ancient and modern, symbolizing hope, life and beauty. In the future, with the integration and development of cultures, what kind of enlightenment will plum trees bring to us?
