Maehwa is the Korean word for a particular type of plum blossom thatâs been cultivated in East Asia for the last 1,500 years â the prunus mume. Blooming in late winter on Jeju Island, and in early March in Jeollanam-do Province, maehwa flowers signal the coming of spring in Korea.There are several different colours of maehwa flowers. Pale pink and white plum blossoms (baekmae), are fairly common, but youâll also see striking red hongmae and greenish cheongmae blossoms too. Maehwa was considered one of the 4 gracious flowers by Joseon Dynasty scholars (along with orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo) â symbolizing the noble mind, and the virtue of patience. Thus, plum blossoms are a common theme in traditional Korean literature and art.
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