Asian Cymbidium Orchids, traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese Orchid Containers

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Asian Cymbidium History

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Asian Cymbidium History

Cymbidium Sinense Chin Hua Shan, "Mountain of Glowing Gold" with claw style variegation on the tip of the leaf and fragrance deep red flowers. Cymbidium History Timeline

In China, the Asian Cymbidium became a part of history even before the establishment of Western Civilization! Throughout Chinese history the Cymbidium has been a symbol of virtuosity, and friendship, and was known for its elegance and sweet fragrance. In about 500 BC, Confucius compared the Asian Cymbidium flower to the virtues of education:

A solitary Orchid, stands, adorning the side of a mountain, perfumes the air even in the absence of appreciation. A true scholar, learned in morality and philosophy, is always a gentleman, even in the absence of wealth.

Also in his writings Confucius referred to the Asian Cymbidium as the "King of Fragrance" a term that has withstood time and is still in use today. There is still much debate amongst enthusiasts on the relationship and continuity of species lines between those that existed in 500 BC and today. Some argue that through cultivation today's species bear little resemblance to their origins. But regardless of the genetic relationship, their symbolism lives on.

In ancient times, Nobility collected the Asian Cymbidium species. Often species were harvested from the high mountains and brought back to the palace. Certain natural variations of the plant would make it more desirable. The Nobleman would try to grow and cultivate plants to bring out the particular traits. Having found prized attributes in a particular species, they would then divide the plants. The Emperors and Nobility prized these Variations. They would plant their divisions in elaborate containers and often exchanged or given as gifts with visiting land barons. Of course, the rarer the attributes the more valuable the gift! Discussions would begin with a tea ceremony, burning incense and discussing the orchids and growing conditions.

During the Wei dynasty 220 AD to 265 AD the art of cultivation spread from the nobility to the upper class families, who established the appeal of the orchids for its decorative purposes. It was not until the Tang dynasty 618 AD to 907 AD and the introduction of orchid farms, that the price and availability of orchids made them available to the middle class people. Even with the increasing popularity of the Asian Cymbidium, the symbolism of the orchids continued through the Tang dynasty as recorded by the famous Tang poet Li Bai

"Serene orchid its fragrance in the wind blows far A fragrant grass whose roots flow deep with virtue"

From these origins in China, the popularity of the Asian Cymbidium species has spread to the rest of Asian and now to the rest of the world. Its symbolism of virtue and morality is still recognized by enthusiasts, and in Asian cultures it is considered an honor to give or receive the Asian Cymbidium as a gift. As in ancient times, the Asian Cymbidium is considered "the gift of respect and friendship".

This two-part article appeared in the American Orchid Society Magazine "Orchids" in July 1999 and August 1999. All photographs are copyright of Charles Marden Fitch 1999 and cannot be used without permission of him or the author.