The Chinese traditional calendar, known as the Lunar calendar(阴历) or the agricultural calendar(农历), is a lunisolar calendar used in China and several other East Asian countries. It is based on astronomical observations of the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. The calendar has a long history, with records dating back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). Chinese people continue using it today for agricultural purposes, such as determining the best time to plant crops, and for scheduling important events such as festivals, weddings, and funerals, alongside the Gregorian Calendar for daily affairs.
The calendar is divided into 12 lunar months, with each month starting on the day of the new moon. Each month is either 29 or 30 days long, and an extra month is added every two or three years to keep the calendar in line with the solar year. The Twelve Flower Deities, are a group of deities in Chinese folklore who are associated with representative flowers of each month. Each deity is believed to be responsible for a particular flower and its symbolic meaning.
Throughout the extensive history of ancient China, numerous versions of the flower deities have existed. Some versions were based on real historical figures and some were based on fictional characters. The versions also varied depending on the gender of the chosen deities: some versions were composed solely of female deities, some solely of male deities, and others included both genders.
We are reenacting the Flower Deities' appearances based on a version that depicts twelve historical female figures. Our plan is to showcase these recreations every lunar month until the end of the Chinese calendar year, but we missed the first two months, so we will catch up before sharing the flower deities of the later months.
Today, we introduce the Mei Hua/Plum Blossom goddess: Jiang Caiping!
The representative flower of the first lunar month: Mei Hua/Plum Blossom.
Goddess of Mei Hua/Plum Blossom: Jiang Caiping.
Symbolism of the flower: strength, elegance, and loyalty.
Jiang Caiping(江采苹), better known as Mei Fei or Consort of Plum Blossom(梅妃), was one of the concubines of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, renowned for her beauty and grace. She was skilled in the Four Arts, namely Qin (playing the traditional Chinese musical instrument Guqin), Qi (playing the strategic board game of Go, or Weiqi), Shu (calligraphy), and Hua (painting); these talents were highly valued as a reflection of one's education and refinement. In addition to these talents, she was an exceptional poet, dancer, and musician, with a particular aptitude for playing the flute.
Jiang was fond of plum blossoms and had them planted wherever she lived, earning the nickname "Consort of Plum Blossom" from Emperor Xuanzong. However, she fell out of favour and was neglected after the arrival of Yang Guifei.
The recreated look features Jiang wearing a Qixiong Ruqun (齐胸儒裙) in the historical clothing style of the Tang dynasty. This ensemble consists of a short shirt and a breast-high skirt that ties on the outside. Additionally, she wears a thin layer of a red jacket called "Beizi" (褙子) to complement the colour of the red flowers.
The Mei Hua(梅花)/plum blossom holds a special place in the hearts of the Chinese people and has been a popular subject of Chinese art and poetry for centuries. It is considered a symbol of winter and a sign of spring's arrival, representing perseverance, hope, beauty, purity, and the fleeting nature of life. The flowers are particularly cherished because of their vibrant bloom against the backdrop of winter snow, exuding an otherworldly grace and fragrance that persists even during the harshest winter months.
Jiang Caiping was revered as a protector of the Meihua/Plum Blossom, not only for her love of the flower but also for her captivating personality and beauty. It was believed by ancient Chinese people that her spirit watched over the blooming of these flowers on Earth.
Thank you for reading our blog post, hope you enjoyed it, and please stay tuned for upcoming posts featuring the remaining eleven flower goddesses!
Should you have any questions, thoughts or advice regarding the project, please also don't hesitate to let us know!
Photographer: Dou
Model as Jiang Caiping: Mia
Set Crew: Erika, Esther, Fiona
Styled by: Vivi, Mia
Written Content: Ella
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