Find the Precious Flower for your Chinese Zodiac Sign
Chinese Astrology: Precious Flowers for the Signs of the Zodiac
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated precious flower. Learn about the meaning of the precious flower for each sign of the sodiac.
According to tradition, when Jade, the Chinese heavenly god, and Guan, the Chinese god of earth, created Chinese Astrology they used 12 animals to represent the Signs of the Zodiac.
Each Chinese year is associated with the next sign of the zodiac in a 12 year cycle.
After the gods had associated Birthstones with the signs of the zodiac, they asked the 12 animals that represent the signs about their favorite flowers. Each animal’s favorite flower was then associated with its zodiac sign.
In Chinese astrology, people are given the sign of the zodiac associated with the Chinese year in which they were born.
Year of the Rat: Narcissus
The narcissus is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Rat. The narcissus is used by Chinese people to decorate their houses during the Chinese New Year Celebrations.
Narcissus root is mixed with wheat to heal wounds, both those of the body and those of the soul.
Year of the Ox: Carnation
The carnation is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Ox. The carnation is strongly linked with Guan, the Chinese god of earth.
In China, the carnation symbolizes wisdom, invoking a sense of fascination in those who look at it. Chinese people use the carnation to express their love towards their families.
Year of the Tiger: Violet
The violet is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Tiger. The violet is used in Chinese herbal medicine, often in the form of aromatic viola tea.
The viola’s essence is used for perfumes and other scented products.
Year of the Rabbit: Jonquil
The jonquil is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Rabbit. The Chinese use jonquil flowers to make good luck charms which are worn on special occasions.
In ancient China, coaches and horses with decorated with jonquil flowers.
Year of the Dragon: Sweet Pea
The sweet pea is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Dragon. The sweet pea contains a dangerous toxin, used in Ancient China to make poisonous arrows.
Nowadays, sweet peas are grown for their bright colors, and for their essence which is used in expensive fragrances.
Year of the Snake: Passion Flower
The passion flower is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Snake. The passion flower is used as a food plant, and due to its sweetness, it is viewed as a delicious treat. The Chinese smoke a herbal mixture including dried passion flower leaves.
The Chinese use the passion flower for a number of medical purposes. It is held to be able to cure insomnia, depression, and epilepsy, and is a powerful painkiller.
Year of the Horse: Rose
The rose is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Horse. The rose is strongly linked with Guan, the Chinese god of earth, and is a symbol of love and beauty.
Rose oil is sued to make rose water, which is used in Chinese recipes and at Chinese ceremonies. A variety of rose that grows in China, called the Chinese Rose, blooms repeatedly during the year.
Year of the Sheep: Larkspur
The larkspur is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Sheep. The larkspur is very toxic, but it is used in small amounts by Chinese herbalists to cure asthma and eye diseases. A herbal mixture containing larkspur and other herbs is used as a natural high quality ink.
In Ancient China, larkspur was used to combat snake bites and scorpion stings.
Year of the Monkey: Gladiolus
The gladiolus is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Monkey. The gladiolus is used at funerals and other important ceremonies.
The Chinese believe that the gladiolus helps people who have passed away to reach their heavenly destination.
Year of the Rooster: Aster
The aster is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Rooster. The aster is a symbol of pride and challenge, which is used as a decoration at festivals and ceremonies.
In Ancient China it was believed the aster was associated with Jade, the Chinese heavenly god, who gave it to soldiers for their protection.
Year of the Dog: Marigold
The marigold is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Dog. The marigold is associated with Jade, the Chinese heavenly god. Lutein, an extract from marigolds, is used by Chinese doctors to cure eye disorders.
In Ancient China, marigold was used to cure headaches and toothaches.
Year of the Pig: Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Pig. The chrysanthemum is one of the most decorative and sweet flowers.
In some parts of China chrysanthemum leaves are boiled to produce a special tea, which it is believed is a cure-all. Recent studies have shown that chrysanthemum flowers may reduce air pollution in indoor environments.
Last updated on May 1, 2017 at 12:39 am. Word Count: 864