The Legend and Significance of the Lesser-Known Pagoda Flower
The delicate and fragrant beauty of the Hoa Su Quan Zy, or the Magnolia flower, is familiar to many. But do you know the legend and significance behind this exquisite bloom?
The Serissa foetida, or the Tree of a Thousand Stars, is a beloved plant to have in one’s garden. Its stunning clusters of white and pink flowers stand out against walls, creating a beautiful sight. But do you know the legend and meaning behind this unique flower? Read on to discover more about the Serissa foetida.
1 What is the Serissa foetida?
The Serissa foetida, commonly known as the Tree of a Thousand Stars, is a vine-like plant with clusters of pink or bright red flowers in Vietnam. It originates from countries in Asia and Africa, and in some places, it has been cultivated to produce different color variations.
The vibrant red flower clusters stand out against the lush green leaves, creating a breathtaking sight that transforms any empty garden into a vibrant space.
What is the Serissa foetida?
2 The Legend of the Serissa foetida
During the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Shan, son of Liu Bei, suddenly fell ill with mysterious symptoms. His skin turned pale, his belly swelled like a drum, and he cried incessantly, only finding solace in eating raw, uncooked rice.
One day, Liu Shan was taken by two soldiers to watch a play near a school. On their way back, Liu Shan suffered from diarrhea and vomiting, clutching his stomach in pain.
Liu Bei, concerned, asked if his son had eaten anything. Liu Shan replied that he had seen wild berries and cried, demanding to eat them. Liu Bei, fearing his son had been poisoned, summoned a physician to treat him.
While waiting for the physician to arrive, Liu Shan experienced frequent bouts of diarrhea, expelling numerous worms from his body. After two days, he fell silent and stopped crying.
The boy ate a bowl of porridge and continued to expel the parasites. He then fell asleep until the physician arrived. Liu Shan’s belly gradually softened and decreased in size, and he no longer craved raw rice.
Liu Bei realized that the wild berries might have cured his son’s strange illness, so he ordered his soldiers to harvest them. The berries were ground into powder and used to treat others suffering from similar ailments. Many brought pigs to offer their gratitude to Liu Bei.
When Liu Bei inquired about the name of the berries, no one knew. However, someone in the crowd mentioned that his son, the young Liu, had eaten them first. Thus, the name “Su Quan Tu”, or “Liu’s Son”, was suggested, and the flower’s name was born.
The name Serissa foetida translates to “a thousand stars”, reflecting the abundance of small, star-like flowers that bloom on the plant. Additionally, the name carries the meaning of perseverance and resilience, as the plant is easy to grow and can withstand challenges, much like a true gentleman who rises above adversity.
The Meaning of the Serissa foetida
This concludes our exploration of the Serissa foetida, or the Tree of a Thousand Stars. Stay tuned for more interesting articles like this one!
Frequently asked questions
The Pagoda Flower, scientifically known as Saraca chinensis, is a vibrant flower that holds cultural and spiritual significance in Vietnam. It is particularly associated with the legend of Lady Liễu Hạnh, a mythical figure revered as a goddess in Vietnamese folk religion. The flower’s significance stems from its connection to this beloved deity and its traditional use in religious rituals and offerings.
Lady Liễu Hạnh is believed to be a celestial being who descended to Earth and took on human form, embodying the virtues of compassion and spiritual guidance. The legend holds that she traveled across Vietnam, performing good deeds and imparting wisdom. The Pagoda Flower is said to have sprung up wherever she walked, and it became a symbol of her presence and blessings. The flower’s vibrant color and delicate beauty reflect the grace and benevolence associated with Lady Liễu Hạnh.
Despite its deep cultural and spiritual significance, the Pagoda Flower is considered ‘lesser-known’ compared to other floral symbols in Vietnam, such as the lotus or peach blossom. This relative obscurity can be attributed to several factors, including the flower’s short blooming season, its association with a specific deity rather than a broader cultural motif, and the fact that it grows predominantly in specific regions of the country.
In traditional Vietnamese culture, the Pagoda Flower is used in religious rituals and offerings. It is believed to bring good luck and spiritual protection. The flower is often offered at altars and shrines dedicated to Lady Liễu Hạnh, and it plays a role in ceremonies honoring ancestors and seeking blessings for the home and community. The Pagoda Flower is also used in traditional medicine, believed to possess therapeutic properties, particularly for skin-related ailments.
The Pagoda Flower is indigenous to Southeast Asia and can be found in various regions of Vietnam. It is particularly associated with the northern province of Bắc Ninh, where Lady Liễu Hạnh is believed to have spent a significant portion of her earthly existence. The flower also grows in other northern provinces, such as Hà Nam and Nam Định, and can be spotted in temples, pagodas, and traditional gardens throughout these regions.
The Forget-me-not is a fragrant and beautiful flower that is easy to grow into a vine, but if you are not careful, you will regret the consequences it brings to your home.
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