In traditional Chinese culture, flower goddesses are mysterious and beautiful figures. They not only oversee the blooming and withering of flowers but also embody people's longing and prayers for a good life. In the Taoist belief system, female flower deities play an important role, with their enchanting legends and unique charm making them a vibrant part of Taoist culture.
The Legend of Taoist Female Flower Deities
The Plum Blossom Goddess of January — The Legend of Jiang Caiping
Jiang Caiping, commonly known as Consort Mei (Plum Consort), has a story that, like an elegant ink painting, has been passed down through the ages. She was born in Jiangdong Village in Putian, Fujian, an area known for its picturesque mountains and rivers, which nurtured her refined and otherworldly temperament. During the Kaiyuan era, the court eunuch Gao Lishi was sent on an inspection tour to the south, where he happened to encounter Jiang Caiping. Her graceful and delicate demeanor captivated him, so he selected her to enter the imperial palace and presented her to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.
After entering the palace, Jiang Caiping quickly won Emperor Xuanzong’s favor with her unique charm and talent. She had a particular fondness for plum blossoms, and the place she lived in was filled with plum trees. Whenever the plum blossoms bloomed, she would stroll through the plum groves, enjoying the flowers and composing poetry, finding great joy in these moments. Emperor Xuanzong, seeing her deep affection for plum blossoms, playfully dubbed her "Consort Mei."
Consort Mei was not only beautiful but also exceptionally talented. She excelled at playing the white jade flute, producing music that was soulful and haunting. She was also an accomplished dancer, with her performance of the "Surprising Swan Dance" being especially enchanting. Emperor Xuanzong once praised her talents in front of the princes, saying that she "plays the white jade flute and performs the 'Surprising Swan Dance,' illuminating the entire room," which demonstrated her importance in his eyes.
However, her good fortune did not last. After the entrance of Yang Guifei (the famous imperial consort), Consort Mei gradually fell out of favor. The once cherished jewel in Emperor Xuanzong's hand had now become a neglected stone. She spent the rest of her life in solitude and melancholy, her beauty and talents fading into obscurity with the passage of time.
Yet, the world did not forget this gifted consort. Later generations revered her as the goddess of plum blossoms, honoring her beauty and talents. Every time the plum blossoms bloom, people are reminded of Consort Mei, who once wandered through the plum groves, and her noble qualities, akin to the purity of plum blossoms.
The Apricot Blossom Goddess of February — The Legend of Yang Yuhuan
Yang Yuhuan, one of China's Four Great Beauties, was as captivating as the apricot blossoms in February—delicate and enchanting. She was naturally graceful, with a gentle and compliant personality. Not only was she proficient in music, but she also excelled in singing and dancing, especially in playing the pipa. Her musical talents were so exceptional that they left people in awe.
In the fourth year of the Tianbao era, after Emperor Xuanzong of Tang had arranged for the daughter of Wei Zhaoxun to be married to Prince Shou, he also bestowed the title of Imperial Consort upon Yang Yuhuan. From that point on, Yang Yuhuan, with her charming and gentle nature and extraordinary musical gifts, won Emperor Xuanzong's boundless affection. Though she resided in the palace, she never involved herself in court politics or power struggles, content to remain by the emperor’s side, enjoying their time together.
However, life in the palace was not always smooth. Yang Yuhuan's jealousy once angered Emperor Xuanzong, and twice she was sent out of the palace. Despite this, the emperor could not let go of his deep feelings for her. In the palace, her relationship with the military general An Lushan also sparked much controversy, but none of this could diminish Emperor Xuanzong's love for her.
Their happiness did not last. When the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, Emperor Xuanzong was forced to flee to the west. At Mawei Slope, faced with the threat of a military mutiny, the emperor, under pressure, reluctantly ordered the death of Yang Guifei. She was only 38 years old at the time. Her death, like apricot blossoms wilting in the spring breeze, was deeply mourned by many.
To honor this beautiful and talented consort, later generations revered her as the goddess of apricot blossoms. Every February, when apricot blossoms bloom, people remember Yang Yuhuan, who once danced gracefully in the palace, and her life, as brief and brilliant as the apricot flowers. Her legendary story has since become a tale cherished and passed down through generations.
The Peach Blossom Goddess of March — The Legend of Ge Xiao'e
Ge Xiao'e, the beloved concubine of Yuan Shundi, was as enchanting as the peach blossoms in March, mesmerizing all who saw her. Her cheeks were a rosy blush, as if flushed from wine, while her skin was white as jade, like dew-covered peach blossoms, making her beauty even more delicate. Upon seeing her, Yuan Shundi couldn't help but exclaim, "She is truly a peach maiden!" Thus, he bestowed upon her the title of "Lady Superior to the Peaches."
Ge Xiao'e was not only stunningly beautiful but also won Yuan Shundi's affection with her gentle and virtuous demeanor. In the palace, she was often surrounded by peach blossoms. Whenever they bloomed, she would stroll through the peach groves, appreciating the flowers and composing poetry, finding great joy in these simple pleasures. Her charm and talent, like the peach blossoms, captivated all who beheld her.
To honor this beautiful and graceful concubine, later generations revered her as the goddess of peach blossoms. Every March, when the peach blossoms bloom, people remember Ge Xiao'e, who once wandered through the peach groves, and her life, as vibrant and magnificent as the blossoms themselves. Her legendary tale has been cherished and passed down through generations, forever living in the hearts of the people.
The Peony Blossom Goddess of April — The Tale of Lijuan
Lijuan, a favored court lady of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty, possessed a beauty as regal and elegant as the peonies blooming in April. Her skin was as soft as jade, and her breath was as fragrant as orchids, leaving everyone around her captivated.
Once, Lijuan sang the song "Whirling Wind" near the Zhi Lan Pavilion, her voice so melodious and enchanting that it seemed to transcend time and reach the hearts of all who listened. Even the trees in the courtyard appeared to be moved by her song, with flowers falling like a celestial shower—this is the legendary scene known as "Flying Flowers in the Courtyard." This beautiful moment became a tale cherished and passed down through the ages.
Lijuan was not only extraordinarily beautiful but also won Emperor Wu’s favor with her talents and gentle nature. Her presence, much like the peony, added an air of grandeur and elegance to life in the palace. To commemorate this beautiful and talented court lady, later generations honored her as the goddess of peony blossoms. Each April, when the peonies bloom, people recall Lijuan singing gracefully by the Zhi Lan Pavilion and her life, as radiant as the peonies themselves.
The Pomegranate Blossom Goddess of May — The Legend of Lady Gongsun
Lady Gongsun, a dazzling star of the Tang Dynasty’s dance scene, was renowned for her mastery of the "Sword Dance," a performance that made her famous throughout the land. Not only did she inherit the essence of traditional sword dancing, but she also innovated and created various versions of the dance, such as "The Sword Dance of Xihe" and "The Complete Sword Dance," each of which left audiences in awe.
Her sword dance was not just a display of superb skill; it also embodied deep cultural meaning. Her movements were powerful yet graceful, like emperors driving dragons through the sky, or thunder calming after its mighty roar, as if the rivers and seas themselves were crystallizing into pure light. Whenever she performed, spectators would gather in crowds as dense as mountains, all spellbound by her artistry. Lady Gongsun’s sword dance blended the strength and beauty of martial arts with the fluidity and rhythm of dance, achieving a perfect harmony between the two forms.
The famous Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu once witnessed Lady Gongsun’s sword dance and was deeply moved by it. He composed a poem that vividly captured the majesty of her performance:
"In days of old, the lady Gongsun,
With her sword dance, moved the land.
Crowds gathered like mountains, stunned in silence,
As heaven and earth bowed to her steps."
Du Fu's verses not only conveyed the awe-inspiring power of her sword dance but also expressed his boundless admiration for her talent.
It is said that the "wild cursive" calligraphy style of the famed calligrapher Zhang Xu was inspired by Lady Gongsun’s sword dance. After watching her performance, he was struck by its rhythm and strength, which he then incorporated into his unique and dynamic calligraphy style.
To commemorate this legendary dancer, later generations honored her as the goddess of pomegranate blossoms. Each May, when pomegranate flowers bloom, people are reminded of Lady Gongsun, who became famous for her sword dance, and her life, as brilliant and vibrant as the pomegranate blossoms themselves.
The Lotus Blossom Goddess of June — The Legend of Xi Shi
Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful of China's Four Great Beauties, is like the lotus flowers blooming in June—pure, graceful, and admired by all. Her birth name was Shi Yiguang, and she was born in Zhuluo Village at the foot of Zhuluo Mountain in Zhuji. She grew up washing silk by the river and was naturally endowed with an extraordinary beauty. Even her frowning, delicate demeanor when she was unwell became something the local women tried to imitate, giving rise to the famous story of "Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi's frown."
However, Xi Shi's beauty was not merely an external attribute; it embodied a deep wisdom and courage. Chosen by King Goujian of Yue, she underwent meticulous training and was then sent to the Kingdom of Wu, where she became the favored concubine of King Fuchai. During her time in Wu, Xi Shi used her beauty and intelligence to distract Fuchai, leading him to indulge in pleasures and neglect state affairs, eventually contributing to the downfall of Wu.
Xi Shi’s accomplishment was not solely in her beauty but also in her loyalty and wisdom. To fulfill the mission of avenging her homeland, she sacrificed her own happiness, infiltrating the enemy kingdom and using her charm to weaken the enemy from within, playing a key role in Yue’s ultimate victory.
According to legend, after the fall of Wu, Xi Shi did not stay to enjoy wealth and power. Instead, she chose to sail away on a boat with Fan Li across the Five Lakes. This decision reflected her noble character, further enhancing her image as someone as elegant and pure as the lotus flower, admired for her integrity and virtue.
In honor of this beautiful and wise woman, later generations revered her as the goddess of lotus blossoms in June. Each time the lotus blooms in June, people remember Xi Shi, who used both her beauty and wisdom to help avenge Yue, and her virtues, as noble and pure as the lotus flowers themselves.
The Tuberose Blossom Goddess of July — The Legend of Lady Li
Lady Li, the most favored consort of Emperor Wu during the later years of his reign, was as elegant and refined as the tuberose flowers that bloom in July—fresh, pure, and captivating.
Her brother, Li Yannian, was a well-regarded court musician, highly skilled in music, and greatly admired by Emperor Wu. One day, Li Yannian performed a song before the emperor, singing, "In the north, there is a beauty," with a melody so enchanting that it mesmerized everyone who heard it. After listening, Emperor Wu sighed, "Where in the world could there be such a beauty?" Princess Pingyang, who understood the implication of the song, seized the moment and recommended Li Yannian’s younger sister, saying she was a beauty of unparalleled grace and charm.
Intrigued, Emperor Wu summoned Lady Li to the palace and took her as his consort. With her exceptional allure and intelligence, Lady Li quickly won the emperor's affection and became one of the most distinguished women in the palace, earning the title "Lady Li."
Unfortunately, her happiness was short-lived, as she fell gravely ill. Throughout her illness, Lady Li remained composed and clear-minded, refusing to let Emperor Wu see her in her weakened state. She understood the depth of the emperor's love for her, but she also recognized the power and politics behind such affection. She did not want to mar the beautiful image the emperor held of her by letting him witness her frailty.
This decision demonstrated Lady Li’s wisdom and foresight, ensuring that her image remained as flawless as the tuberose flower in Emperor Wu’s memory. After her death, her family continued to enjoy prosperity and stability, a tale that became widely praised by later generations.
In honor of this beautiful and wise woman, Lady Li was revered as the goddess of tuberose blossoms. Each July, when the tuberoses bloom, people remember Lady Li, who earned Emperor Wu’s love with her intelligence and beauty, and her qualities that were as fresh and refined as the tuberose itself.
The Osmanthus Blossom Goddess of August — The Legend of Lü Zhu
Lü Zhu, a legendary beauty beyond compare, was born with the surname Liang at the foot of Shuangjiao Mountain in Baizhou. Renowned for her skill in playing the flute, her music was as ethereal as the sounds of heaven, captivating all who heard it. Her beauty and talent attracted the admiration of the wealthy magnate Shi Chong.
While serving as the Censor of Jiaozhi, Shi Chong heard of Lü Zhu and sought her hand from the local governor, who demanded a price of a bushel of pearls. Shi Chong, undeterred by the exorbitant price, generously exchanged ten bushels of pearls for Lü Zhu, a gesture that not only demonstrated his wealth but also his deep affection for her. After entering Shi Chong’s household, Lü Zhu became his most treasured companion, showered with love and care.
However, Shi Chong’s extravagant lifestyle brought disaster upon him. After his political ally Jia Mi was executed, Shi Chong lost his position. Sun Xiu, who had long coveted Lü Zhu, demanded that Shi Chong hand her over, but Shi Chong resolutely refused. Enraged, Sun Xiu persuaded the powerful Prince Zhao Lun to have Shi Chong executed.
When the soldiers stormed Shi Chong’s estate, he sighed to Lü Zhu, saying, "I now face death because of you." Lü Zhu, in tears, bravely responded, "I am willing to die for you." With that, she leaped to her death from a tower, sacrificing her life to demonstrate her profound love and loyalty to Shi Chong.
Lü Zhu’s tragic and heroic act left a lasting impression, making her a symbol of courage and devotion. Her story, like the fragrance of the osmanthus flowers blooming in August, spread far and wide, evoking admiration and respect. To honor this beautiful and faithful woman, later generations revered her as the goddess of osmanthus blossoms. Every August, when osmanthus flowers bloom, people remember Lü Zhu, who expressed her deep love through her ultimate sacrifice, and the fragrance of her spirit lingers like the sweet scent of the flowers.
The Chrysanthemum Blossom Goddess of September — The Valor of Liang Hongyu
Liang Hongyu, a remarkable woman of great insight and bravery, was the wife of the famous Song dynasty general Han Shizhong. She made her mark in history with her wisdom and courage, carving out a legendary tale.
During a rebellion led by Miao Fu, when the capital was on the brink of collapse, Liang Hongyu made a bold decision. Carrying her child in her arms, she rode through the night to Xiuzhou to alert Han Shizhong and summon him to defend the emperor. Her decisive action not only showcased her boldness and determination but also played a crucial role in quelling the rebellion, earning her the title of Lady of the State of An, a story celebrated in history.
In one of Han Shizhong’s most famous battles against the Jin general Wuzhu at Huangtiandang, Liang Hongyu took up arms herself. She stood on the warships, beating the battle drums with great vigor, inspiring the troops to fight valiantly. Her resounding drumbeats ignited the soldiers’ fighting spirit, leading Han Shizhong to a glorious victory as the Jin army retreated.
However, their good fortune did not last. When the emperor, Gaozong of Song, was swayed by the treacherous minister Qin Hui’s false accusations, the great general Yue Fei was executed on dubious charges. In protest, Han Shizhong was stripped of his command and demoted to the title of Prince of An. Angered by this injustice, Han Shizhong resigned from his post, and he and Liang Hongyu retired to the peaceful shores of West Lake in Hangzhou.
In the serenity of West Lake, Liang Hongyu and Han Shizhong spent the rest of their days together. After their deaths, they were buried side by side at the foot of Lingyan Mountain on Su Causeway, watching over the land they loved.
To honor this brave and extraordinary woman, she was venerated as the goddess of chrysanthemum blossoms. Every September, when chrysanthemums bloom, people remember Liang Hongyu, who courageously beat the drums of war on the battlefield, and her resilient, steadfast spirit, as enduring as the chrysanthemum’s bloom.
The Hibiscus Blossom Goddess of October — The Legend of Diao Chan
In the turbulent twilight of the Eastern Han dynasty, there was a woman of unparalleled beauty named Diao Chan, a singer in the household of Minister Wang Yun. Her extraordinary beauty and intelligence made her a pivotal figure in history. At that time, the capital suffered under the tyrannical rule of Dong Zhuo. With a heart devoted to the nation, Wang Yun devised a cunning plan to eliminate the traitor, using Diao Chan as the key player in his chain of schemes.
Wang Yun secretly promised Diao Chan to the valiant warrior Lü Bu, while publicly presenting her to Dong Zhuo, the powerful warlord. This act planted the seeds of jealousy between the two men. Lü Bu, a warrior of unmatched skill, grew increasingly enraged as Dong Zhuo took Diao Chan as his concubine, fueling the flames of his discontent.
On a bright, peaceful day, Lü Bu, seething with anger, sneaked into Dong Zhuo’s mansion to visit Diao Chan while Dong Zhuo was away at court. In the famed Fengyi Pavilion, Diao Chan met Lü Bu with tearful eyes, feigning distress over being forcibly taken by Dong Zhuo. Her words struck Lü Bu’s heart, making him swear to avenge her suffering.
Not long after, Dong Zhuo returned home unexpectedly, catching the two together. Furious, he grabbed Lü Bu's halberd, the famed Fangtian Huaji, and threatened to kill him. Lü Bu narrowly escaped with his life, but the rift between them became irreparable.
Wang Yun seized the opportunity to persuade Lü Bu to act, and with Lü Bu's help, they successfully assassinated Dong Zhuo, ridding the kingdom of its tyrant. The people praised this event, saying, “Minister Wang Yun, with deep cunning, used the allure of a woman without raising an army or spilling blood, causing Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo, former allies, to destroy one another. The mighty battles fought at Hulao Pass are now meaningless; the true victory was quietly won in Fengyi Pavilion.”
The Camellia Blossom Goddess of November — The Story of Wang Zhaojun
Wang Zhaojun, one of the most renowned beauties in Chinese history, was born Wang Qiang in Zigui, Nan County. Her destiny led her into the harem of Emperor Yuan of Han as a lady-in-waiting, known as a “Good Woman.” During this time, the imperial painter Mao Yanshou held great influence, as many women bribed him to enhance their portraits, hoping to win the emperor’s favor. However, Wang Zhaojun, with her integrity and dignity, refused to bribe him. Out of spite, Mao Yanshou painted a tear-like mole on her portrait, symbolizing widowhood, which caused Wang Zhaojun to remain unnoticed by the emperor for years.
As time passed, the Xiongnu chieftain Huhanye Shan Yu visited the Han court, seeking a bride as a sign of peace. Wang Zhaojun, filled with sorrow from her long, unremarkable life in the palace, volunteered to accompany him. Before his departure, Emperor Yuan summoned the five women selected for Huhanye, and Wang Zhaojun, dressed in elegant garments, radiated a beauty that stunned the entire imperial court. Her graceful demeanor and unmatched elegance deeply moved all those present.
Upon seeing her true beauty for the first time, Emperor Yuan was struck with regret and a deep desire to keep her. However, bound by his promise to Huhanye Shan Yu, he reluctantly allowed Wang Zhaojun to leave for the Xiongnu lands.
Later, when Huhanye Shan Yu passed away, Wang Zhaojun, following Xiongnu tradition, married his eldest son, Fuzhulei Shan Yu. Her beauty and wisdom left a lasting legacy, not only within the Han court but also in the history of the Xiongnu.
The Narcissus Blossom Goddess of December — The Legend of Zhen Fu
Zhen Fu, also know Lady Zhen.a legendary woman born in the fifth year of Emperor Huan's Guanghe reign, faced adversity from a young age. She lost her father at the tender age of three, but despite these hardships, she demonstrated extraordinary intelligence. By the age of nine, she had developed a keen interest in books, possessing an impressive ability to memorize texts quickly. During an era rife with turmoil and widespread famine, Zhen's family survived due to their ample stores of grain. Displaying great kindness, Zhen Mi persuaded her mother to generously share their provisions with relatives and neighbors, a charitable act that won her great praise.
As time passed, Zhen Fu grew into a graceful and talented young woman. During the Jian'an reign of Emperor Xian, she married Yuan Shao's son, Yuan Xi, becoming a daughter-in-law in the Yuan household. However, fate took a dramatic turn when Cao Cao conquered Jizhou and captured Yecheng, causing Zhen Mi’s life to change completely. She was taken by Cao Pi, Cao Cao's son, as his wife and gave birth to their children, Cao Rui and the Princess of Dongxiang.
In the first year of the Huangchu reign, Cao Pi ascended the throne in Luoyang as the Emperor of Wei, later known as Emperor Wen of Wei. Around this time, Emperor Xian presented two concubines, Lady Guo and Lady Li, to Cao Pi. As these concubines gained favor, Zhen Mi gradually fell out of the emperor’s good graces. Her discontent and complaints eventually reached Cao Pi, who, enraged, ordered her death in June of the second year of Huangchu, burying her in Yecheng.
Though her life was brief and marked by numerous hardships, Zhen Mi's talents and beauty were forever etched into the hearts of the people. She was not only a woman of remarkable intellect, but also one with a compassionate and charitable spirit. Her tragic death left many mourning her loss.
Later, when Cao Rui, Zhen Mi’s son, ascended the throne as Emperor Ming of Wei, he posthumously honored her with the title of Empress Wenzhao. This act not only acknowledged Zhen Mi’s virtues and achievements during her lifetime but also immortalized her beauty and talent for generations to remember.
Conclusion
Taoist female flower goddesses, as unique figures in Chinese traditional culture, are symbols of beauty and grace, embodied through their enchanting legends. These goddesses are not only in charge of the blossoming and withering of flowers, but they also reflect people's longing for and pursuit of a beautiful life. In the Taoist belief system, these female deities play important roles, their captivating legends becoming a brilliant part of Taoist culture. As we appreciate the beauty of flowers, let us also remember the rich cultural heritage and spiritual values represented by these fascinating stories.
References:
- Hangzhou People Still Remember the Huazhao Festival. Zhejiang Cultural Information Network. March 22, 2010.
- Zhu Ding Yu Wen [Reprint] Volumes III and IV. Kongfuzi Old Book Network.
- Qing Ji Lu. Douban Books [Cited January 16, 2021].
- Taoist Female Flower Goddesses and Who the Twelve Flower Goddesses of Chinese Traditional Culture Are. Sohu.com. June 5, 2018.
