plum blossom; wintersweet (dialect)
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
plum blossom; flower of the plum tree
Plum blossoms (Prunus mume) are a traditional symbol of resilience, purity, and the arrival of spring in East Asian culture. They bloom in late winter and early spring, often while snow is still on the ground.
The plum blossoms in winter are exceptionally bright and beautiful.
The theme of this painting is plum blossoms blooming in the snow.
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Plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum are known as the 'Four Gentlemen'; the plum blossom represents a noble and unsullied character.
noun
wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)
dialectIn some southern Chinese dialects (e.g., parts of Sichuan), the term '梅花' is used to refer to the wintersweet flower, which has waxy, fragrant yellow blossoms. This is a regional usage.
In Sichuan, this fragrant yellow flower is also called 'méi huā' (referring to wintersweet).
Grandma said the wintersweet flowers in the yard have bloomed, and they're very fragrant.