Peony

In China the peony is known as the queen of flowers or the flower of riches and honour and symbolises wealth and distinction. Provided the peony becomes vibrant and alive, full of beautiful flowers and green leaves, it is also an omen of good fortune. Paintings of peonies are often hung in the home for good luck and in the office for good business.

The complimentarity of opposites is another traditional Chinese meaning associated with the peony which is often understood as a positive influence for woman and man living harmoniously together. To create good Feng Shui towards finding a faithful and loving partner a picture of a peony should be placed in your marriage sector.

The complimentarity of opposites can also be understood on a metaphysical level as Yin and Yang, the T'ai-Chi, which represents a complimentary dualism through which everything in existence is understood to contain the seed of its own opposite. In this way everything in life is understood as a necessary aspect in the flow of existence, rather than some aspects of existence being perceived antagonistically as "other".

The peony is an emblem of love and affection and is a symbol of feminine beauty. In the ancient Chinese "Book of Odes" amorous youths and maidens give each other peonies. White peonies traditionally symbolise young girls who are distinguished mainly by their wit but also by their beauty.

Red has long been regarded as a life-giving colour so red peonies are admired and highly valued. On a more erotic level peony flowers are symbols of female genitalia; when the dew, which represents semen, falls, the peony flower opens.

The peony is one of the flowers of the four seasons and corresponds to late spring, early summer. Subtle lines are often employed in peony paintings in order to depict the life force of the plants.