In China, the lovely peach blossom represents blessing and happiness for women who are engaged or getting married soon. They usually display these flowers in the house during this special occasion.
Having different shades of pink, the flower also symbolizes feminine power, purity, and innocence. So it’s a common gift on International Women’s Day and at weddings too.
Besides these, there’s more to learn about the peach blossom flower. So keep reading this guide and know its other meanings, cultural significance, perfect gifting occasions, and more.
Basic Information about the Peach Blossom
Scientific name: Prunus persica
Origin: Zhejiang province in Eastern China
Peach blossoms are born from the majestic peach tree belonging to the genus Prunus.
Compared to other genera, this genus is very large comprising about 400 different tree and shrub varieties of the family Rosaceae.
The peach flowers produce a majestic display throughout spring.
After these flowers bloom and get pollinated by bees, they become peach fruits, which are sweet and juicy!
Also, the peach tree is native to the Zhejiang province in Eastern China. It’s a very old species that’s said to have been first cultivated in 6,000 BC.
Physical Description of the Peach Blossom
Peach blossom somewhat resembles the cherry blossom in appearance. It has gentle layers of ruffled petals arranged in a vertical or angled cluster.
Each delicate flower has five petals with several long stamens in the middle and measures roughly 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter.
Usually, peach blossoms sport baby pink with a darker pink or magenta around their center. However, they also come in lavender and red, among other colors.
The peach flower color wonderfully contrasts with its dark brown stems and light-green leaves.
And indeed, matching its great charm and beauty, the peach blossom has a pleasant fragrance akin to honey and almonds.
Peach Blossom Word Origin
The phrase peach blossom was first documented in the 17th century, specifically, between 1655 and 1665. It exactly had the same meaning as it does today.
The flower’s genus name, Prunus, was derived from the Latin word meaning plum tree. It’s apt since the peach tree is related to plum, cherry, almond, apricot, and nectarine trees.
Whereas the species name of peach blossoms is persica. Persica is a late Latin word that means peach tree or fruit.
This word was obtained from Persicum malum. It’s a Persian word that means Persian apple or peach, which people wrongfully believed was grown in Iran.
The plant reached France, and people there called it pesche. Following this, the English referred to it as peach.
The Peach Blossom and Its Meanings
Pale pink peach blossoms have a few wonderful meanings. They can symbolize stylishness and grandness.
It’s also believed to bring fortune and luck to engaged or pregnant women for their new life ahead. Adorning the house with it expresses their joy and excitement for these events.
Sweet and fond love and excellent health are also symbolized by this charming flower. Its pleasing aroma can make one think of who they love and care about the most.
The Meaning of Peach Blossoms by Color
Here are the various meanings of peach blossoms by color:
- Pink
The most common color of peach blossoms is light pink, and this variety often has a deeper pink or dark magenta encircling the center.
Generally, pink adds the meanings of affection, femininity, and loveliness to the peach blossom.
Plus, dark pink or magenta imbues it with the qualities of passion, silence, and compassion.
- Lavender
You can also find lavender peach blossoms in China during spring. Lavender is a cool and tranquil color that signifies grace, calmness, silence, devotion, and purity.
The peach blossom can be wholly lavender or, like the pink peach blossom, can have a darker tint in the middle.
- Purple
Purple peach blossoms look very elegant sitting on their branches. Purple is a fantastic and eye-catching color symbolizing luxury, refinement, power, and ambition.
In addition, the stately color means pride, peace, creativity, and wisdom.
Having these purple flowers can therefore make your living room or garden classier. They remind one of the best of their inner nature and what they’re capable of.
What does the peach blossom mean in different cultures?
Below are how the peach blossom has influenced and been regarded by certain countries:
- In China
It comes as no surprise that China, which is the native habitat of the peach blossom, has made a lot of artistic and cultural references to this flower.
- Peach Blossom Day
Peach Blossom Day is observed all across China on March 3rd every year to celebrate women and girls.
The ancient Chinese revered the peach tree, believing it had a bevy of supernatural traits.
They believed it brought them abundance, fertility, good luck, protection, and long life. That’s why warriors back then made weapons and armor from the peach tree.
By the way, the occasion is the counterpart of Japan’s Doll Festival or Hinamatsuri, which also honors women and falls on the same date.
- Peach Blossom Spring Story
The Peach Blossom Spring story was wonderfully written by Tao Yuanming centuries ago in 421 AD.
In the classic fable, a fisherman rides a boat to discover a grove of peach trees by chance.
He rows on and finds himself passing through an idyllic village where people live in pure bliss, contentment, and harmony with each other. They are in touch with nature without any contact whatsoever with the outside world.
He enjoys his stay in this utopian village and leaves to tell others of his great discovery. But upon returning, he’s unsuccessful in finding the village near the Peach Blossom Spring.
- Peach Blossom as a Symbol of Joy and Fortune
As said earlier, women decorated their homes with peach blossoms to convey their excitement and joy after being proposed to by someone they truly love.
But close friends also gave these beautiful pink or lavender flowers to wish them great luck and success in the future.
- In Korea
The peach fruit and flower are important to Korean culture. In this country, they call the peach blossom the plant of immortality, and they believe the fruit to be a symbol of riches, dignity, fertility, and joy.
- In Japan
- Hanami or Flower Viewing
Every year, from March to May, Japan holds a hanami or flower-viewing event wherein different flower trees bloom beautifully, including cherry, plum, and peach.
Millions of people including locals and visitors attend this event to get snapshots and bond with their family and friends.
- The Legend of Momotaro
In Japan, almost everyone is familiar with the folktale kid hero Momotaro (Peach Boy in English), as he is introduced to kindergarten children in the form of songs.
The legend starts when one day, an old, childless woman was washing her clothes in a river. Suddenly, to her amazement, she found slowly drifting toward her an enormous peach fruit.
As it came near her, she grabbed it and saw a cute little boy cradled in it. She and her husband decided to adopt him and named him Momotaro, which means peach in English.
A few years later, the parents found out that the boy was indeed special, as he had grown strong and could complete hard tasks with great ease.
After some time, the word spread that the villagers in Onigashima were being robbed and hurt by demons. Despite his parents worrying and refusing to let him go, Momotaro decided to help the villagers.
Convinced that it was his mission, her adoptive mother prepared Kibi dangos (millet dumplings) for him. These delicious treats would be his key to defeating the demons.
During his journey, he met three animals that could speak: a dog, a monkey, and then a pheasant. For them to join him as his allies, he would need to give a Kibi dango to each of them.
Together, they would eventually be victorious against the terrifying and evil demons and saved the people of Onigashima and their homes. In the end, the heroes were able to get an invaluable treasure and take it home.
When can I give peach blossoms?
As a present, peach blossoms are elegant and superb in the form of a miniature tree or in a bouquet or vase.
You can surprise a woman friend with these spectacular spring blooms, especially if she just got engaged or is tying the knot soon.
It will convey that you are so joyful about her romantic bond with someone and wish her the best of everything from the day she gets married.
Also, peach blossoms can be a way to express your gratitude for a friend’s constant love, kindness, and compassion.
Aside from that, peach blossoms can be given to your mother or grandmother on her birthday or Mother’s Day. This would let them know you’re missing or thinking about them and want to send a warm hug through the flowers.
