Zhang Ailing once said that she had three regrets in her life: one was that the anchovies were spiny, the other was that the begonias were fragrant, and the third was that the Dream of Red Mansions was not completed. This statement is enough to prove the charm of Haitang. Among the many varieties of crabapples, the Xifu crabapple is the most popular. When the buds of Western Begonia just climb up the branches, their shape and color are like dots of scattered rouge. When they are fully bloomed, they are as gorgeous as the morning clouds.
Literati have always spared no effort in praising Begonia. So, is the flower language of such an admirable flower really one of unrequited love? Now, let’s get closer to the real Xifu Begonia!
The flower language and symbolic meaning of Xifu Begonia
Literati and poets throughout the ages have spared no effort to praise Xifu Begonia. Liu Zicui’s poem from the Song Dynasty said: “The quiet and graceful appearance makes the spring clear, and the plum blossoms borrow it. The romantic willow borrows the light, the fragrance is still there after many night rains, and the painting cannot be completed after being dyed with rouge." This poem vividly describes the characteristics of Begonia like a demure lady. No wonder Emperor Ming of the Tang Dynasty also compared the sleeping Concubine Yang to Begonia.
Therefore, the flower language of Xifu Begonia is: beauty, demureness, and the symbolic meaning of Xifu Begonia is unrequited love.
Cultural Symbol of Xifu Begonia
Xifu Begonia was named after it grew in Xifu during the Jin Dynasty. Begonia has a graceful appearance and blooms like brocade. It has been highly appreciated by both refined and popular people since ancient times. The famous flower is known as the fairy among flowers, the noble concubine of flowers, and the noble flower. Su Dongpo, a great writer of the generation, was also fascinated by it. "I was afraid that the flowers would fall asleep late at night, so I burned high candles to illuminate the red makeup." Also, in the eighth month of the Ming Dynasty's autumn , there were several thousand-leaf white lotus branches blooming in Taiye Pond, and the emperor and his nobles had a feast to enjoy them. Everyone on the left and right sighed in admiration for a long time. The emperor pointed to the imperial concubine and said to the left and right: Are you as good as my interpreter of flowers? Therefore, Haitang's elegant name is Jieyuhua.
Xifu Begonia is often planted in royal gardens in conjunction with magnolia, peonies and osmanthus to form the artistic conception of "Yutang's wealth". Literati in the past dynasties have many popular poems praising Begonia. Lu You's poem says: "Although he is gorgeous and has no vulgar appearance, the Emperor is really rich and noble." Describe Begonia as beautiful and elegant. In another poem by Lu You: The scarlet parrot and green parrot are extremely ingenious; their overlapping calyxes and heavy tarsus dazzle the morning sun. Describes the image of the bright red flowers and green leaves of Begonia flowers and the lush flowers competing with the glory of the morning sun.
Many modern celebrities and writers also have an indissoluble bond with Begonia flowers. Mr. Bing Xin once wrote an essay "Begonia Flowers", using Begonia flowers to express the feeling that spring is fleeting and life is short.
Premier Zhou was particularly fond of the crabapple flower in the West Flower Hall of Zhongnanhai where he lived. After his death, his wife Deng Yingchao saw Hua Siren and wrote the article "The Begonia Flower in the West Flower Hall Blooms Again", recalling her relationship with The Prime Minister has been dependent on each other for fifty years in his revolutionary career.
Mr. Liang Shiqiu also loved Begonia flowers. In his essay "Short Notes of Qunfang", he placed Begonia first to describe it and spent the most space praising Begonia Xifu. He wrote; Rows and rows of Xifu crabapples are as high as ten feet, and their green hair and beautiful faces are in the stage of full of charm and sultry spring scenery, which makes people feel as if they are unexpectedly beautiful.