What are the spiritual meanings of pine, bamboo, plum and orchid in China traditional literature?

Pine and cypress symbolize loyalty. Pine branches stand proudly, cypress trees are solemn and solemn, evergreen all the year round, and survive the severe winter. "The Analects of Confucius" praises: When the cold comes and the summer goes, you will know that the pine and cypress are withered. Pine trees and bamboo plums are called "three friends of the old cold". In literary and artistic works, pine and cypress are often used to symbolize unyielding heroism.

Bamboo symbolizes integrity. Bamboo is tall, straight and beautiful, and will not wither when it is cold. Since ancient times, it has been widely loved by people. The ancients often used "jade can be broken without changing its color, bamboo can be burned without destroying its festival" to describe people's integrity.

Mei symbolizes strength and unyielding. Plum branches are vigorous, graceful and unyielding, and are used by people to symbolize strong and unyielding will; Plum blossoms in full bloom against the wind and snow are the first to reveal the breath of spring to the world.

Symbolize nobility with orchids. Orchids are elegant, dignified and fragrant, and have always been a symbol of noble personality. The poet Qu Yuan loves orchids very much. In his immortal work Lisao, there are many beautiful sentences about orchids.