Page 82 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
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A-Z 75
The characteristic flower of the spring, the plum-blossom, and the
chrysanthemum form a contrastive pair. It is significant that two lady’s-maids in a well-
known novel are called ‘Chrysanthemum-blossom’ and ‘Plum-blossom’, and there are no
names referring to summer or winter. These seasons – summer and winter – represent
extremes: summer and man, winter and woman, form a conjugal union, but their servants
must attend to both and are therefore called after the seasons which are intermediate
stages between man and woman.
The expression ‘Chrysanthemum Brigade’ (ju-bu) refers to prostitutes who can sing
folk-songs in ‘southern style’.
Cicada
guo-guo; shan
In ancient times, the cicada symbolised immortality, or life after death. A cicada
made of jade was laid in the mouth of the deceased. Later, a fish was used in this
ceremony instead of a cicada. According to one legend, the queen of the feudal state of
Qi in Eastern China turned into a cicada after her death; and for this reason, the cicada
was also known as the ‘girl of Qi’. Representation of a cicada on a hat symbolises an
honest man of principle.
Cicada ornamentation
