Dear Cecil
I have heard that one should not hang paintings of peonies, if one is married. I was given a huge painting of peonies. I have had it framed and would like to know if it is alright to hang it up in my tv area on the east side of our house. My other half is a water dragon. Please advise.
Thank you and kind regards.

Dear Elizabeth,
In my opinion, usually, if it is a painting of a single peony, this represents maidenhood and particuarly in the Tang Dynasty era, it is said to represent the femal genitalia.
However, in ancient China, the significance is that it is considered the Queen of all flowers and signifies distinction and wealth.
It is also a flower associated with the season of Spring.
The most popular coloured peony (peonies) are RED.
Later on, in the story of the Eight Immortals, there is a Bai Mu Dan or White Peony ... that challenged Lu Dong Bin (one of the eight immortals) and she won the contest.
In my opinion, a picture with many peonies represents a vibrant `Spring' season.
Professional Chinese artists also combine:-
1. picture(s) of peonies with flowers such as lotus, chrysanthemum and plum tree to represent the four seasons.
2. Peony with peaches represent good reputation, longeivty and wealth
3. peony flower with hibiscus to represent a flow of wealth and good reputation.
Many Tang dynasty poets also sang praises of the poeny flower...
Thus in my opinion, the painting of peonies is not all that bad or reflect solely on young or unmarried. It has other meanings as well.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 2/2/01 10:09:00 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear Cecil
I have heard that one should
not hang paintings of peonies,
if one is married. I was given
a huge painting of peonies. I
have had it framed and would
like to know if it is alright
to hang it up in my tv area on
the east side of our house. My
other half is a water dragon.
Please advise.
Thank you and kind regards.