Peach blossom meaning: characteristics, care and modern symbolism
The beauty of the peach blossom is known to all: its flowering in Japan is truly remarkable, like cherry blossoms. The plant is native to the East, but it can also be grown in our climates; today we will give you some advice on the care it needs. You can also use it to beautify your interiors; find out which are the other plants that purify the air. at home, watch the video!
The meaning of the peach blossom: between history and legend
There are many tales about the meaning of the peach blossom, but the best known is certainly the legend of the fisherman. This legend tells of an old fisherman who returned from fishing and managed to catch a large fish. Inside this fish he found a strange stone, right in the stomach, which he had never heard of. He decided to plant it in his garden and after a few months a beautiful little tree was born, which he took care of until spring came. When the warm season arrived, the plant did not yet have any leaves, but it was filled with small pink buds anyway. The man called "fishing" the first fruit that the plant gave him, wanting to honor the fact that the shrub was born from a kernel fished from the sea.
History, on the other hand, tells us differently: the peach tree (called in botany Prunus persica) seems to be originally from China and reached our lands through Persia, thanks to the first expeditions of Alexander the Great, who was fascinated by it after seeing it in the garden of Darius III of Persia. The name has Persian origins, in fact it is also called apple of Persia, fruit of the Persians, or as we call it today the "fishing" and spread thanks to the Middle Eastern cultures between 300 and 500 BC. It seems to have arrived in Italy in the 1st century AD. about onwards, when Alexander imported peaches in ancient Rome.
For the sake of completeness, we also cite two versions that are in contrast with what has been reconstructed by historians. In fact, some scholars argue that the plant arrived in Europe thanks to trade between Greece and the Roman Empire or during the Roman occupation of Syria.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, peach trees disappeared almost entirely in Europe, so much so that the only cultivation remained that of the monks and a few aristocrats. It came back into vogue only thanks to the Medici, during the Renaissance.
Characteristics of the peach blossom
Maybe you didn't know that there are different types of peach trees and that the best known is that of peach flower, much appreciated both as an ornamental plant and for productive purposes. The peach blossom does not need large spaces and does not require special attention, except an "adequate exposure to the sun. Therefore, if you have even a small but sunny garden, this plant is more than enough to take root. temperate climates and the scent of its petals is one of the first to be felt when the summer arrives. If well kept, the peach blossom is a shrub under five meters in height, has an erect and long-limbed stem and the branching is not excessive.
Its flowering is known all over the world; when it happens, small and graceful flowers bloom on its elegant branches, with characteristic shades of pink, bright pink and white. The flowering of the peach blossom is considered ideal in Japan, to celebrate before that of the cherry trees: in these moments, families gather to get together and take some breathtaking photos. The flowers are so spectacular because they completely fill the branches which make the plant even more beautiful and bright. This event can also occur in pots, not only directly on the ground; but we recommend the dwarf variety of the plant if you plan to keep it grown on the terrace.
Meaning of the peach blossom
The peach blossom really has many meanings, depending on the culture with which we relate. In China for example, where the plant comes from, the peach blossom symbolizes immortality, while in Egypt where the gods were worshiped with golden statues and pyramids, it takes on the meaning of silence and childhood. In this country, children's cheeks are compared to peach blossoms. In Japan it represents fidelity and protects from the forces of evil, while in the West the peach blossom symbolizes spring and rebirth. In the language of flowers, its meaning is instead linked to that of eternal love. So remember that if you give peach blossoms to your loved one you are expressing a great, immortal feeling: you are telling her that you will love her forever and that you are hers!
With peach blossoms it is also possible to express other messages: gratitude and deep admiration.
Finally, we cannot fail to mention one of the most famous symbols of the peach blossom, especially in our area: fertility and femininity. It is not uncommon to find bridal bouquets with beautiful peach blossoms inside, as a good omen in the future life of a couple that has just begun.
Peach blossoms also have meaning when it comes to dreams. If you dream of the peach blossom it will send you a sense of tranquility and serenity, as well as being a wish for a life full of happiness and joy, prosperity, beauty.
Tips for growing the plant
The ideal time to plant peach blossom is autumn, because it favors the appearance of flowers and fruits. In order for the shrub to last over time it is then necessary to irrigate the soil frequently and with a lot of water, especially during the flowering period, which usually occurs at the end of the winter season until spring. Use a fertilizer for the soil that is rich in phosphorus , nitrogen and potassium, preferably to be applied to the plant during the winter (you can also use manure which is 100% natural), as they are necessary elements to ensure the development of the many peach blossoms, and with bright colors. If we want to show such a beautiful and ornamental plant at home, it is better to take care of it properly, right? You don't have to be a gardening wizard to do that, but the peach blossom definitely needs some time for itself; once the watering routine gets underway, the result will be fantastic.
Once the moment of flowering has passed, the petals will wither and it will be possible to prune the tree in order to strengthen the branches and facilitate their growth in the following months.
The peach blossom tattoo
The meaning of the peach blossom has remained unchanged today, but like all things as the years go by, fashion changes, and it is not uncommon to see some people tattooing peach blossom on their body. It is probably one of the most popular tattoos, especially among women, because they have an innate grace and the branches have a fine and simple style. The meaning of this tattoo is linked to the flower itself, to its particular spring bloom, to rebirth and in general to 360 ° beauty. Rebirth yes, but not only, because those who choose to tattoo a peach blossom branch do so also to narrate harmony and affection with the family: the peach branch represents a real stump, while the flowers represent the belonging to it divided by age; the smaller buds (which have yet to open) represent the children, the fresh and colorful flowers are the adult members of the family and finally the already blooming and large flowers represent the elderly.
Would you like to get a tattoo but you don't know which one to choose? As you read in our article how the peach blossom has a beautiful meaning, a symbol of the coming spring and ideal to apply on different parts of the body. Are you interested in this topic? Learn more about the meaning of peach blossoms in tattoos in our article!
