A Much Celebrated Flower
Did you know there’s a city in China specifically dedicated to the peony flower? In fact, it’s known as “The City of Peonies,” and its rich traditions surrounding these beauties date back a thousand years! Can you guess the city we’re talking about? Yep, it’s Luoyang!
Luoyang itself, once the capital of China, has a rich history spanning many generations. One of its annual traditions is the Peony Festival, always brimming with excitement and many folk performances to spotlight and celebrate these stunning flowers that are believed to bring wealth, honor, and happy marriages.
Peonies are said to have been around for thousands of years—at least as far back as 1900 BC! They not only have a long history, but an incredibly long lifespan as well. With proper care, some bushes have been known to live over a century! The famous “1000-year-old Peony Tree” in China draws many visitors from all over to see its luscious blooms. Imagine having such a living treasure around for a millennium!
Many fun facts about peonies can be gleaned from the Internet. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Peony blooms can sometimes be as big as a dinner plate!
- They come in every color except blue.
- Ants love them and cause no harm by their presence or their feasting on the bud’s sweet nectar.
- Deer and bunnies on the other hand dislike them very much!
- Peony petals are made into a dessert in China. They can be added to salads, too.
- Peonies are more than just beautiful. They possess healing properties dating back many centuries.
Maria’s Luoyang Hope Healing Home is not only home to the precious children in our care, but also to several peony bushes that burst forth in bloom every spring. A few of the kids got to go outside on a warm day recently to enjoy the grounds and these special flowers, and we wanted to share their special photos with you. We hope you’ll enjoy the galleries below!
