http://www.bjreview.com AUGUST 1, 2019 BEIJING REVIEW 47
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were given noble characteristics in these
masterpieces, with the plum blossom sym-
bolizing the ability to bear hardships and
the lotus embodying purity.
The two cities’ desperate efforts to make
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able. However, the question of whether we
need a national flower requires more delib-
eration. Many cities in China have their floral
emblems, thus, identifying one flower as the
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Flowers are only plants with no special
meaning; humans are the ones who endow
them with meaning. Therefore, an opinion
poll on whether China actually needs a na-
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Wang Wencai (www.xhby.net): China has
rich floral resources, with many flowers
qualified to become part of the national
symbols. It’s hard to make a choice. A con-
sensus has not been reached for a long
time, as the divergence has mostly focused
on the peony and the plum blossom. Late
horticulturist Chen Junyu (1917-2012) ad-
vocated over 30 years ago that the peony
and plum blossom both become the na-
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I agree with this inclusive proposal. The two
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history of cultivation as well as unique appear-
ances. The peony represents material wealth
and thereby a country’s national strength, while
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therefore China’s national character. The two
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China and reflect the country’s diversified
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Han Zhe (Beijing Business Today): It’s
logical for Luoyang and Heze to solicit public
support for the peony to become the nationalßRZHU,WZLOOERRVWWKHLUWRXULVPLQGXVWU\JLYHQ
their rich peony resources.
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cultural icon? The peony can be used for curing
diseases and can also be eaten. At present, pe-
ony cultivation is a sunrise industry. Why should
we be ashamed to talk about its commercial
value?
The national flower is a country’s cultural
symbol and therefore should not be decided
in a rush. However, to industrialize and com-
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mote it.
People should stay calm and try to be open-
minded about the selection of the national
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Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo