The History & Symbolism Of Camellias In Japan (2024)

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The History & Symbolism Of Camellias In Japan? ›

The Symbolism Behind the Camellia

Like many white flowers, white camellias symbolize purity and innocence. Therefore, they're often used in weddings. In Japan, white camellias are often tied to death, so they're popular funeral flowers. However, white camellias can also symbolize admiration and respect.

Step aside roses because camellias are one of the most romantic flowers around. They have a very deep meaning of romantic love, devotion, adoration and care. In China, this flower symbolises two lovers where the petals represent the woman, and the calyx (the green leafy part) represents the man.

In addition to its aesthetic value in wintertime gardens, the cultural, ecological, and historical impact of Camellia japonica is wide-ranging, from playing a role in early diplomacy between Japan and China to its usage as a symbol for those fleeing religious persecution during the Edo period.

The ancient history of Camellias originates in the southeastern temperate forests and subtropical forests of Asia. Many different species were used to make tea but the species, Camellia sinensis, stands out as having the best leaves and buds to make tea.

Japanese camellia is an evergreen woody shrub or small tree in the Theaceae (tea) family. Native to China, Korea, and parts of Japan, it has become a southern gardening favorite.

In Mythology the Camellia symbolises love and devotion and the beauty of the flower has been treasured by couples for centuries. The Chinese believe that the petals reflect the spirit and beauty of a woman.

If you've ever experienced these shrubs or small trees in full bloom, it's not hard to see why. Sometimes called the rose of winter or the queen of winter flowers, camellia varieties usually bloom during the colder months. In addition to looking like roses, camellia flowers can be shaped like anemones or peonies.

The Camellia was named by Linnaeus in honor of a Jesuit priest serving in the Philippines - Joseph Kamel. He probably never saw any plants, but this is not really known. Of the approximately 200 species of camellia known today, only a few are grown in the United States for their ornamental value.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): White Rose, Jasmine, Camellia.

What are some interesting facts about camellias? ›

Camellia bushes can live up to 100 to 200 years, although the oldest living camellia, planted in 1347, can be found in China's Panlong Monastry. Camellias have dark shiny green leaves that stay evergreen, which makes it a perfect partner for Hydrangea that are nothing but brown sticks in the winter.

One of its primary uses is undoubtedly in beauty. Camellia oil is valued by many Japanese as well as those in the beauty community for its beauty properties, especially for the hair and skin. Camellia oil is rich in oleic acid, a fatty acid that is quite compatible with our skin and helps to nourish and hydrate it.

Camellia Japonica and Camellia Sasanquas are both Camellias, but with different qualities. Japonica's are what most people think of when they think Camellia, with the large flower that blooms in winter and early spring whereas Sasanqua's have smaller flowers and bloom in the fall.

The camellia is intricately intertwined with the cultural and spiritual life of Japan. In various art forms, they signify appreciation and admiration. The flower represents a spirit of depth, self-reflection and inner strength – qualities that are highly esteemed in Japanese culture.

"When the Camellia Blooms" is a romantic thriller-comedy about the realistic, passionate love between three couples. The drama will follow the story of a woman named Dong Baek and show how her life is tangled up with a good man, a bad man, and a cheap man.

Health Benefits from Planting Camellias

In addition to the skin benefits, tea seed extracted from the Camellia Sinensis plant is a popular remedy for those with high blood pressure; Organic Facts.net reports the vast amount of potassium mineral in camellia is beneficial for blood pressure levels.

Sakura (Cherry Blossom) – Purity and Innocence

The flower language of Sakura includes “purity”, “innocence” “elegance”, etc. As Sakura is a lucky charm, it is good for gifts for your family or friends as well as for celebrations such as weddings, etc.

Japan. The national flower of Japan is the sakura blossom.

Camellias are popular ornamental, tea and woody-oil plants that have been cultivated throughout the world for centuries. To date, over 26,000 cultivars, with more than 51,000 cultivar names including synonyms, have been registered or published.