Original Painting - Plum Blossoms and Bird
 
In Chinese culture, plum blossoms ( méihuā) are revered as one of the "Four Gentlemen" (sì jūnzi), alongside orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums. They symbolize resilience and beauty, blooming in late winter to early spring when other flowers are scarce. They are admired for their delicate petals and subtle fragrance, representing endurance and the ability to withstand adversity. Plum blossoms are celebrated in art, poetry, and festivals like the Lunar New Year, where they embody hope, renewal, and the arrival of spring, making them a cherished symbol of cultural refinement and the fleeting beauty of life.