Flower rooted in the Chinese heart

THE CHINA FLOWER ASSOCIATION is inviting people to answer the question on its website asking whether they agree to it recommending the peony as the national flower. China Daily writer Zhang Zhouxiang comments:

"Isn't the peony the national flower already?" has been a common response.

That reflects how deeply peony culture is rooted in Chinese people's hearts. For a long time, the peony has been considered a symbol of spring and female beauty, and because of its large petals and strong colors it is associated with prosperity and abundance.