All About Poppies
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.

Western Poppy Symbolism
The flower symbolism associated with poppies is beauty, magic, consolation, fertility and eternal life. The Egyptians included poppies at funerals and in burial tombs. The Greeks used poppies in the shrines of Demeter, goddess of fertility, and Diana, goddess of the hunt. Poppies denote sleep, rest and repose. In modern times, poppies have been associated with Flanders fields as an emblem of those who died in World War I.

The Meaning of Poppies in Chinese Art
Poppies represent the loyalty and faith between lovers. Acording to Chinese legend, a beautiful and courageous woman, Lady Yee, was married to Hsiang Yu, a warrior with Herculean strength. When Hsiang led his troops into battle, Lady Yee chose to follow him and stood by his side in every battle.

During a long and arduous war, Hsiang's army was surrounded and defeat is imminent. Lady Yee tried to boost his spirits by dancing with his sword. The petals of the poppy flower reflect her spirit as she dances in the wind with the sword. When this attempt failed, Lady Yee committed suicide. A cluster of poppies sprang in full bloom from her gravesite.

For more information on flower symbolism:
Illustrated Flower Symbolism Guide
The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers
Garden Flower Symbolism and Flower Facts
Flower Symbolism and Mary Gardens 

©2008 Living Arts Enterprises LLC

References:
Yeh, Ning. An Album of Chinese Brush Painting: Eighty Paintings and Ideas. Huntington Beach, CA: Ning Yeh's Art Studio, 1986.

For Chinese brush painting supplies, please visit:
http://www.orientalartsupply.com/?afid=203

©2008 Living Arts Enterprises LLC

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