calamus- symbolizing plants

As an important plant in traditional Chinese culture, Acorus calamus has rich and diverse meanings and symbolism, covering multiple aspects such as spiritual character, folk beliefs, and cultural aesthetics
1、 Symbol of spiritual character
High integrity and literary integrity
The leaves of Acorus calamus are slender and straight, growing in the mud but fresh and elegant. It is often referred to as one of the “four elegant flowers and plants” along with orchids, chrysanthemums, and daffodils, symbolizing the noble sentiment of literati who “emerge from the mud without being stained”. Su Shi once praised it for “enduring hardships and being calm”, and painters such as Zheng Banqiao also used Acorus calamus in their paintings to express the spirit of elegance and refinement.
Resilience and vitality
The root system of Acorus calamus is tenacious and can grow in wetlands or crevices, symbolizing resilience in adversity and inspiring people to maintain courage and perseverance.
2、 Folk customs and auspicious meanings
Drive away evil and avoid disasters
On the Loong Boat Festival, calamus and wormwood are hung. Because their leaves are like swords, people believe that they can dispel the evil of plague and keep the house safe, so there is a saying that “the calamus and wormwood kill the devil”.
Good luck and opportunities
The folk proverb ‘It’s hard to see the flowers of Acorus calamus’ implies rare good luck, and its blooming is considered a good omen. In addition, the lush growth of Acorus calamus also symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
Marriage and Loyalty
In German culture, calamus represents “perfect marriage”, symbolizing harmony between husband and wife; Its heart-shaped flowers also symbolize eternal love.
3、 Cultural Aesthetics and Medicinal Value
Poetry and Artistic Imagery
From the Book of Songs to the poetry of Li Bai and Su Shi, calamus is often endowed with the image of immortal grass, becoming a carrier for literati to express their emotions.
Medicinal and Health Preservation
The roots and stems of Acorus calamus can be used as medicine, with the effects of awakening the mind, improving intelligence, dispelling dampness, and stimulating appetite. Ancient medical books called it “light body and prolonging life after long-term consumption”, with both practical and auspicious properties.
The diverse symbolism of Acorus calamus makes it a symbol of the integration of nature and culture, carrying people’s wishes for a better life and reflecting the profound understanding of character and nature in Chinese culture.

菖蒲作为中国传统文化中的重要植物，其寓意和象征意义丰富多元，涵盖精神品格、民俗信仰与文化审美等多个层面：
一、精神品格象征
‌高洁与文人气节‌
菖蒲叶片纤细挺直，生长于淤泥却清新脱俗，常与兰、菊、水仙并称“花草四雅”，象征文人“出淤泥而不染”的高洁情操‌苏轼曾赞其“忍寒苦，安淡泊”，郑板桥等画家亦以菖蒲入画，寄托清雅风骨‌。
‌坚韧与生命力‌
菖蒲根系顽强，能在湿地或石缝中生长，寓意逆境中的坚韧不拔，激励人们保持勇气与毅力‌。
二、民俗与吉祥寓意
‌驱邪避灾‌
端午节悬挂菖蒲与艾草，因其叶形似剑，民间认为可祛除瘟邪、守护家宅平安，故有“蒲剑斩魔”之说‌。
‌好运与机遇‌
民间谚语“菖蒲花难见面”寓意罕见的好运，其开花被视为吉兆‌此外，菖蒲繁茂生长亦象征富贵与繁荣‌。
‌婚姻与忠诚‌
在德国文化中，菖蒲代表“完美婚姻”，寓意夫妻和睦；其心形花朵也象征永恒之爱‌。
三、文化审美与药用价值
‌诗词与艺术意象‌
从《诗经》到李白、苏轼的诗词，菖蒲常被赋予仙草意象，成为文人寄托情怀的载体‌。
‌药用与养生‌
菖蒲根茎可入药，有醒神益智、化湿开胃之效，古代医书称其“久服轻身延年”，兼具实用与吉祥双重属性‌。
菖蒲的多元寓意使其成为自然与人文交融的象征，既承载着人们对美好生活的祈愿，也体现了中华文化对品格与自然的深刻理解‌。