1、I know that America s national flower is rose, is it? Do you know what is Chinas national flower? Plum blossom is evaluated as the number one of the Chinese Top Ten Famous Flowers. And it is also China s national flower. Chinese plant culture has its unique national features which differ from those

2、of other nations. Today I d like to explain to you why plum blossom is very important to our Chinese people according to its history and culture connotation.I d like to begin with its history. Plum blossom was originated in the south of China around the Yangtze River dating back to 7000 year ago dur

3、ing the Neolithic Age. From ancient China to modern China, plum blossom has been planted not only as an important kind of commercial crop but also a kind of ornamental plant. Later it was introduced toJapan, Koreaand Vietnam.More importantly, we love plum blossom also because of its deep culture con

4、notation. Firstly, this kind of flower has five petals which symbolize happiness, good luck, longevity, smooth sailing and peace. Secondly, when a whirling snow obscures the sky and all other flowers wither and fall, only plum trees stand upright proudly and bloom in rich colors bringing people the

5、news of early spring. Therefore the plum blossom came to symbolize courage, perseverance and hope, but also beauty, purity, and the new life. In Confucianism, the plum blossom stands for the principles and values of virtue. Because it blossoms in the cold winter, the plum blossom is regarded as one

6、of the Three Friends of Winter, along with pine, and bamboo. It is also regarded as one of the Four Gentlemen of flowers in Chinese art together with the orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo. Thirdly, it plays an important role in Chinese literature. It has been frequently depicted in Chinese poetry an

7、d art for centuries. An example of the plum blossoms literary significance is found in Little Plum Blossom of Hill Garden byLin Bu of the Song Dynasty.In conclusion, because of its long history and deep cultural connotation, plum blossom is very important to Chinese people.When everything has faded

8、they alone shine forth, encroaching on the charms of smaller gardens. Their scattered shadows fall lightly on clear water, their subtle scent pervades the moonlit dusk. Snowbirds look again before they land, butterflies would faint if they but knew. Thankfully I can flirt in whispered verse, I dont

9、need a sounding board or wine cup.Jiya SunGroup: BlueSpeech Class - TT 12:30pmPlum BlossomIntroduction : talk about Americas national flower; than Chinasnational flowerThesis: Plum blossom is very important to Chinese peopleForecast: history and culture connotationBody:1. History:(1) origin- 7000yea

10、rs ago, Yangtze River(2) Be introduced to Japan, Korea and Vietnam2. Culture Connotation(1) The symbolic meanings of five petalsHappiness, good luck, longevity, smooth sailing and peace(2) The symbolic meanings of plum blossoma. Reasons: bloom in winterb. Meanings: courage, perseverance, hope, beaut

11、y, purity, the new lifeEg. In Confucianism, the principles and values of virtueThree Friends of Winter and Four Gentlemen of flowers(3) Role in literatureEg: Little Plum Blossom of Hill GardenConclusion:Because of its long history and deep cultural connotation, plum blossom is very important to Chinese people.Bibliography1. Long M.Z. A Bird s-Eye View of Chinese Culture.East ChinaUniversityPress.20