Our Ancient Tree Peony Treasure -Tree Peony God

Our Ancient Tree Peony Treasure -Tree  Peony God

1、 Basic Overview

Location: Lingdan Temple in Mudan Garden, Zhongchuan, Gansu.

Tree age: According to instrument testing, its tree age has reached over 1300 years, making it the oldest surviving peony flower in the world and known as the living fossil of peonies.

Growth condition: The tree is 3.8 meters tall, with a ground diameter of 39cm. It blooms around the Xiaoman season every year, with more than 150 flowers and a diameter of up to 20 centimeters. The flowers are purple red in color, with a strong aroma and a beautiful and elegant fragrance.

2、 Historical background

Cultural Integration: The words "dan" and "si" in Lingdan Temple cleverly blend peony culture and religious culture together, forming a unique landscape surrounded by peonies and illuminated by Buddhist light.

Historical heritage: This peony tree has gone through 15 generations and was originally a single pole peony tree, tall and sturdy. After being destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, the peony has grown nine new branches, demonstrating its strong vitality.

According to historical records, the "Gansu New Comprehensive Gazetteer" compiled in the late Qing Dynasty recorded that "peonies are found in various prefectures and cities, with Lanzhou being particularly prosperous and having a variety of colors." This reflects the long and rich history of peonies in Gansu.

3、 Cultural significance

Fortune and auspiciousness: Peony has always been regarded as a symbol of wealth and auspiciousness in traditional Chinese culture, and the "Peony God" has taken this meaning to the extreme.

Health and Longevity: Due to the extremely long lifespan of peonies and their ability to maintain strong vitality even after experiencing vicissitudes, the "Peony God" is also regarded as a symbol of health and longevity.Prosperity and Prosperity: The blooming of peonies symbolizes the prosperity and prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people. The existence of the "Peony God" adds a strong cultural connotation to this symbolism.

4、 Related legends

There are many legends about the "Peony God", among which the most talked about is its association with Zhu Yuanzhang. According to legend, Zhu Yuanzhang saw peonies blooming in his dream and believed it was an auspicious omen, foreshadowing the establishment of the Ming Dynasty in the world. Although this legend may have some incidental elements, it further deepens people's admiration and worship of the "Peony God".

In summary, the "Peony God" is not only a highly ornamental peony flower, but also a symbol of wealth, auspiciousness, health, longevity, and prosperity in traditional Chinese culture. Its existence not only enriches people's cultural life, but also provides valuable resources for us to inherit and promote excellent traditional Chinese culture.