Pollinators love orchids. This flower, with nearly 30,000 known species, is a favorite of bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Orchids are also highly regarded in China and have been for thousands of years. Today, orchids are experiencing a renaissance of interest, adoration and environmental stewardship among the Chinese people. Scientists, growers, nature advocates and those who are enamored with orchids fuel this resurgence.
In the Chinese culture, orchids represent esteemed human qualities and characteristics, including nobility, strength of character, true beauty, peace and inner grace.
Orchids are found often in Chinese prose, poetry, calligraphy, and painting. Orchids also represent the best of something. The finest poems are termed ‘orchid verse.’ Expressive spoken language is ‘orchid words.’ The truest friends are known as ‘orchid friends.’
The Chinese philosopher, Confucius wrote extensively about orchids in his teachings and poetry. He believed these enigmatic flowers represented virtue and good in many ways.
And when two people understand each other in their innermost hearts, their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids. Confucius
An orchid grows where others cannot, enduring hunger and thirst… and graces the world with beautiful color and rare fragrance, even if no one is around to appreciate it. Confucius
