1. Pines and cypresses - vigorous and cold-resistant, symbolizing perseverance. "Xunzi" says, "Pine and cypresses survive the depth of winter without fading, and remain unchanged despite being covered with frost and snow. They can be said to be 'virtuous'".
2. Bamboo - modest and disciplined, symbolizing humility, courtesy and noble integrity. Bamboo branches are tall and slender, green all year round, proud of snow and frost, and are very popular among Chinese people. Together with plum, orchid, and chrysanthemum, they are called the Four Gentlemen, and together with plum and pine, they are called the Three Friends of Winter. Ancient and modern literati love bamboo and praise it. There are many.
3. Plum blossoms bloom in spring, symbolizing purity and steadfastness despite the severe cold. Xu Lai's "Plum Blossoms" of the Ming Dynasty states that "it may be said that its charm is unique, or its spirit and form are clear, its style is elegant, or its integrity is solid". Plum blossom is the first of the ten famous flowers in China. It is listed as the Four Gentlemen together with orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum. It is also known as the "Three Friends of Suihan" together with pine and bamboo. In traditional Chinese culture, plum blossom inspires people to work hard with its noble, strong and humble character. In the severe cold, plum blossoms bloom before hundreds of flowers, and spring is the only one in the world.
4. Orchid - quiet and fragrant, symbolizing high etiquette, deep friendship and love. The Chinese have always regarded the orchid as a symbol of nobility and elegance, and together with the "plum blossoms, bamboos and chrysanthemums", they are collectively known as the "Four Gentlemen". Usually "Lan Zhang" is used to describe the beauty of poetry and prose, and "Lan Jiao" is used to describe the true friendship. Orchids are also used to express pure love, "The spirit is like an orchid and will never change, the heart is like an orchid and will never change", "If you find an orchid, you can repay your close friends, and you can give one to Xiaoxiang in your dreams."
5. Chrysanthemum - standing in Ao Shuang, incorruptible and noble, symbolizing seclusion and unyielding in the face of danger. Because chrysanthemums have the character of being cold and proud of the snow, there is a famous saying by Tao Yuanming, "When you pick chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, you can see the Nanshan Mountain leisurely." Chinese people have the custom of admiring chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum wine during the Double Ninth Festival. Meng Haoran of the Tang Dynasty wrote in "Crossing the Old Friend's Village": "On the Double Ninth Festival, I will come back to see chrysanthemums." In ancient myths and legends, chrysanthemums have also been given the meaning of auspiciousness and longevity. ?