Question 1: Today’s image features the national flower of the Republic of China. What is it?
- Plum blossom
- Azalea
- Sweet pea
Correct Answer: Plum blossom
Fact: The plum blossom, called “meihua” in Mandarin, is a special flower in Chinese culture. It blooms in cold winter, even when snow covers the branches, showing strength and courage in tough times. Because of this, people see it as a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and hope. The plum blossom is also loved in Chinese art, poetry, and festivals, representing endurance and the promise of better days ahead.
Question 2: In Chinese culture, the plum blossom is one of the ‘Four Gentlemen.’ What are the other three?
- Lotus, jasmine, and sunflower
- Orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum
- Rose, tulip, and daffodil
Correct Answer: Orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum
Fact: The ‘Four Gentlemen’ are four plants in Chinese culture that symbolize important virtues. They include the plum blossom (which represents perseverance and hope in winter), orchid (which stands for purity and elegance), bamboo (which symbolizes strength and flexibility), and chrysanthemum (which represents humility and endurance in autumn). These plants have been admired for centuries in Chinese art, poetry, and painting because they reflect the qualities of a noble and virtuous person. Artists and scholars often use them to express deep meanings about life, nature, and character.
Question 3: Which animal is the national symbol of China?
- Tiger
- Giant panda
- Elephant
Correct Answer: Giant panda
Fact: Pandas live in the mountains of China, mainly in the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces, where they roam dense bamboo forests. They are easily recognized by their black-and-white fur and are famous for eating mostly bamboo, though they sometimes eat other plants or small animals. In Chinese culture, pandas are seen as a symbol of peace, friendship, and harmony, which is why China has gifted them to other countries as a sign of good relations. This tradition, called “panda diplomacy,” has helped strengthen ties between China and many nations around the world.