Peonies, with their lush, layered petals and intoxicating fragrance, have captivated human imagination for thousands of years. These magnificent flowers carry profound symbolic meanings that vary across cultures, yet often converge on themes of prosperity, honor, and beauty.

Chinese Culture: The King of Flowers

In China, the peony holds the most prestigious position among all flowers. Known as “mudan” (牡丹), it has been cultivated for over 1,500 years and carries deep symbolic significance.

Primary Meanings:

• Wealth and Prosperity: The peony is considered an omen of good fortune and material abundance. Its full, rounded blooms are associated with gold and riches.
• Honor and High Social Status: Historically linked to nobility and the imperial family, peonies adorned palace gardens and were embroidered on royal garments.
• Romance and Affection: Red and pink peonies symbolize romantic love and are popular in wedding decorations.
• Feminine Beauty: The flower represents the ideal of feminine grace, beauty, and elegance.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), the peony reached its cultural zenith. Empress Wu Zetian particularly favored these flowers, and the city of Luoyang became famous for its peony festivals, a tradition that continues today. The peony’s association with royalty earned it the title “King of Flowers” or “Flower of Riches and Honor.”

Japanese Culture: Bravery and Good Fortune

In Japan, the peony is called “botan” (牡丹) and carries meanings distinct from yet related to Chinese symbolism.

Primary Meanings:

• Bravery and Courage: Peonies are associated with samurai warriors and masculine strength, representing fearlessness in the face of adversity.
• Good Fortune: Like in China, peonies symbolize prosperity and happiness.
• Protection: The flower is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Peonies appear frequently in Japanese art, particularly in traditional tattoo designs where they often accompany lions or dragons. In these compositions, the peony balances the ferocity of these creatures with beauty and grace. The flower also features prominently in kimono designs, especially for formal occasions.

Korean Culture: Nobility and Prosperity

Korean culture shares many symbolic associations with Chinese tradition regarding peonies, called “mooran” (모란).

Primary Meanings:

• Wealth and Prestige: Peonies represent material success and high social standing.
• Happiness and Good Fortune: The flowers are seen as harbingers of joy and prosperity.
• Feminine Beauty: Like in China, peonies embody feminine grace and elegance.

Peonies appear extensively in traditional Korean folk painting (minhwa), often depicted with other auspicious symbols. They’re popular in wedding ceremonies and are believed to bring happiness to newlyweds. The flower also appears in traditional Korean architecture and decorative arts.

Western Culture: Romance and Healing

In Western traditions, peony symbolism evolved differently, drawing from both Greek mythology and Victorian-era flower language.

Primary Meanings:

• Romance and Bashfulness: Pink peonies particularly represent romantic love, while their tendency to attract ants symbolizes how love attracts admirers.
• Compassion and Healing: Named after Paeon, physician to the Greek gods, peonies have long been associated with medicine and healing properties.
• Prosperity and Happy Marriage: White peonies are popular in Western weddings, symbolizing a happy marriage and good fortune.
• Shame or Bashfulness: In Victorian flower language, peonies could represent shame or indignation, possibly because their blooms droop when fully open.

The mythological origin traces to Paeon, who used a peony root to heal Pluto. When Paeon’s teacher, Asclepius, grew jealous, Zeus saved Paeon by transforming him into the peony flower. This legend established the flower’s connection to healing and protection.

Victorian Flower Language (Floriography)

During the Victorian era, when direct expression of emotions was often improper, flowers became a coded language for communication.

Peony Meanings in Floriography:

• Red Peonies: Honor and respect
• Pink Peonies: Romantic love, prosperity, and good fortune
• White Peonies: Bashfulness, shame, or regret (though also used positively for weddings)

The meaning could shift based on how the flowers were presented, with upright blooms conveying positive sentiments and inverted ones suggesting the opposite.

Color Symbolism Across Cultures

Different peony colors carry specific meanings that transcend individual cultures:

Red Peonies:

• Passionate love and romance (China, Korea)
• Honor and respect (Western traditions)
• Vitality and celebration

Pink Peonies:

• Romantic affection and courtship
• Prosperity and good fortune
• Feminine beauty and grace

White Peonies:

• Purity and innocence
• Bashfulness or modesty
• New beginnings (popular for weddings)
• Regret or apology

Yellow Peonies:

• Joy and happiness
• New beginnings and fresh starts
• Prosperity (in Chinese culture)

Religious and Spiritual Symbolism

Beyond secular meanings, peonies hold spiritual significance in various traditions.

Buddhism: In Buddhist art and symbolism, peonies represent spiritual advancement and the attainment of enlightenment. They’re often depicted in religious paintings and temple decorations.

Feng Shui: In Feng Shui practice, peonies placed in the home attract positive chi (energy), promote romance, and bring prosperity. However, they’re traditionally avoided in the bedrooms of married couples, as they’re believed to invite infidelity.

Taoist Symbolism: In Taoist tradition, peonies represent the balance of yin and yang, embodying both masculine strength (through their robust stems) and feminine beauty (through their delicate petals).

Modern Cultural Significance

Today, peonies continue to hold cultural importance worldwide:

• Wedding Flowers: Peonies are among the most popular wedding flowers globally, symbolizing a happy marriage, prosperity, and good fortune.
• National Symbols: The peony is being considered or has been proposed as a national flower in China, and is the state flower of Indiana in the United States.
• Art and Design: Peonies remain popular motifs in contemporary art, fashion, and home décor, bridging traditional symbolism with modern aesthetics.
• Festival Celebrations: Peony festivals in Luoyang (China), Heze (China), and various locations in Japan celebrate the flower’s cultural heritage annually.

Medicinal and Practical Symbolism

The peony’s symbolic meanings are reinforced by its historical practical uses. For over 2,000 years, peony roots have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, from menstrual pain to inflammation. This healing association strengthens its symbolic connection to compassion, care, and protection across cultures.

Hong Kong Florist Tips

The peony’s rich symbolism reflects humanity’s universal appreciation for beauty, prosperity, and the cycles of life. While specific meanings vary across cultures—from Chinese associations with wealth and honor to Japanese connections with bravery, and Western links to romance and healing—the flower consistently represents positive qualities that transcend geographical boundaries. Whether adorning an ancient Chinese scroll, a samurai’s tattoo, or a contemporary Western wedding bouquet, the peony continues to embody our deepest aspirations for beauty, fortune, and happiness.