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Three Friends in Cold Weather

Pine, bamboo and plum have always been regarded by Chinese people as the most
beloved plants because they all thrive through the cold winter days, just like friends
who cherish the same ideas welcoming the advent of spring together. For this very
reason, they are called“ Three Friends in Cold Weather”，symbolizing the noble
characters esteemed and pursued by Chinese people.
In China, the figure of “Three Friends in Cold Weather” is very common, which can be
seen on containers, clothes and infrastructures. People with lofty ideals respect them
for their pride and honor, while the common ones for their ever-lasting energy.
Pines are ever-green trees with strong vitality. They flourish even in cold winter, for this
very reason they are honored with a character of strong will. However, they are more
generally regarded as the symbol of longevity among the masses.
When the day of Cold Dew arrives, many plants are withered, while bamboo survives
and flourishes as usual in the cold wind. Because bamboo has hollow joints and is
upstanding, it is gifted with characters of inflexibility and modesty an is honored as a
“gentleman”. While Chinese have the folk custom of firing the bamboo cracker to break
away from old and evil , bamboo is also regarded as the symbol for security and auspice,
as shown in the traditional decorative paintings.
The plum is one kind of the famous flowers of China. They are appreciated for their
nobleness, purity and modesty which encourage people to improve themselves.
Therefore they have always been cherished and extolled by Chinese poets in the past.
Plums are also characterized as the advent of good news. Stories about plum and its
meaning have been widespread for a long time.
There are still some other plants, such as chrysanthemum , orchid and lotus that are
ginen a noble character mostly aspired after by people.

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