Bamboo in Chinese Culture

In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo (竹 zhú), along with plum blossoms (梅 méi), orchids (兰 lán), and chrysanthemums (菊 jú) collectively form a group called the Four Gentlemen. Each member of the group was used to symbolize some aspect of the character of an ideal person in traditional Chinese culture.

Certain behaviors and character traits are traditionally associated with each of these plants. In the case of the bamboo, its strength lies in its grace — it is tranquil, flexible, humble and simplistic, and an emblem of modesty and mental strength. Its deep roots denote steadiness.

When the Four Gentlemen appear together, they are also sometimes used to symbolize the four seasons, with plum blossoms symbolizing winter, orchids symbolizing spring, bamboo symbolizing summer and chrysanthemums symbolizing autumn.

Along with the pine and plum blossom, bamboo also sometimes appears as part of the Three Friends of Winter (岁寒三友 suìhán sānyǒu). Each of these three plants is revered for its ability to remain unwithered when the weather turns cold.

Many traditional Chinese paintings (国画 guóhuà) often feature the bamboo plant as the centerpiece. This is because for thousands of years, artists have used the bamboo plant as a motif in their paintings, whether by itself or as part of the above mentioned Four Gentlemen or Three Friends of Winter.

There are many Chinese idioms (成语 chéngyǔ) which reference the bamboo, further showcasing the influence and prevalence of bamboo symbolism in Chinese culture. Here are a few:

胸有成竹 (xiōng yǒu chéng zhú)

Literal translation: When painting bamboo, you have to have an image of bamboo in your heart

Symbolic meaning: To have a well-thought-out plan

破竹之势 (pò zhú zhī shì)

Literal translation: Sufficient force for smashing bamboo

Symbolic meaning: Irresistible force

青梅竹马 (qīng méi zhú mǎ)

Literal translation: Green plums and bamboo horses

Symbolic meaning: The innocence of a child’s play; a couple who grew up as childhood friends

竹篮打水 (zhú lán dǎ shuǐ)

Literal translation: Using a bamboo (wicker) basket to draw water

Symbolic meaning: Wasted effort

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