Orchid
Overview
The fourth of the four gentlemen. The orchid's reading comes from its habit of growing in quiet places and being noticed only by its scent.
Meaning
The orchid is the emblem of refined worth that does not advertise — fragrance in an unremarkable plant.
Traditional Interpretation
Sources use the orchid for the person of quality who is not recognised, and the conventional phrase for a secluded place is an orchid-growing valley.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does orchid symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The orchid is the emblem of refined worth that does not advertise — fragrance in an unremarkable plant. The fourth of the four gentlemen. The orchid's reading comes from its habit of growing in quiet places and being noticed only by its scent.
What does the orchid stand for?
It is one of the standard plants with an agreed reading. The orchid is the emblem of refined worth that does not advertise — fragrance in an unremarkable plant. The scent-without-show quality is the entire reading: the orchid is valued precisely because its worth is not visible.
How is orchid read in Chinese tradition?
Sources use the orchid for the person of quality who is not recognised, and the conventional phrase for a secluded place is an orchid-growing valley. It is grouped under Wood (木) in the five-element system.
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