Iris
Overview
The iris's leaf form gives it a secondary association with the blade, and its flowering marks the fifth month in the seasonal calendar.
Meaning
The iris is a waterside plant of the painting tradition, associated with the fifth month and with the sword-shaped leaf.
Traditional Interpretation
Sources associate the iris leaf with the sword used at the fifth-month festival, which is the plant's principal protective use.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does iris symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The iris is a waterside plant of the painting tradition, associated with the fifth month and with the sword-shaped leaf. The iris's leaf form gives it a secondary association with the blade, and its flowering marks the fifth month in the seasonal calendar.
What does the iris stand for?
It is one of the standard plants with an agreed reading. The iris is a waterside plant of the painting tradition, associated with the fifth month and with the sword-shaped leaf. The leaf rather than the flower carries the protective reading — the shape is what connects the plant to the festival.
How is iris read in Chinese tradition?
Sources associate the iris leaf with the sword used at the fifth-month festival, which is the plant's principal protective use. It is grouped under Water (水) in the five-element system.
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