In Chinese thought, the always green and fragrant pine, though bearing twisting branches, reaches up to the skies with its straight and powerful trunk like an upright person imbued with the strength and virtue to overcome all adversities. In The Analects of Confucius (551-479 BC), it is written, “In winter, the pine and cypress are known as the last to fade away (歲寒，然後知松柏之後凋也).” Consequently, the pine became considered as the ultimate test of time, symbolizing a wise and brave old person who has withstood and experienced many difficulties. Therefore, in Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian (司馬遷, 145-86 BC), the pine was already known as the “Chief of the Trees (百木之長).” Along with the bamboo and the plum, the pine is one of the “Three Friends of Winter.”
Painted by Qian Songyan (钱松喦, 1899-1985)
