Peach trees receive great importance in Chinese symbolism and mythology. Each part of the peach tree has a different meaning. Because the peach tree wood was thought to ward off evil, ancient Chinese warriors made weapons from it. The petals of peach blossoms were thought to put men into an intense trance of love. The fruit of the peach is considered the divine fruit of Gods, and is associated with long life and immortality. The peach tree in general symbolizes longevity.
According to a famous Chinese legend, the Peach Plant of Immortality lives in the Kun Lun Mountains and produces fruit every 3,000 years. When the magic fruit appears, the Eight Immortals eat it and their immortality is assured. The Eight Immortals were part of Chinese Oral History before the stories were written.
The Eight Immortals are:
Lü Dongbin
(呂洞賓; pinyin: Lǚ Dòngbīn) The Chief leader (right)
Lü Dongbin was an 8th-century scholar, who learned the secrets of Taoism. He traveled the earth slaying dragons and fighting evil.
He is associated with
- a sword that can subdue the evil,
- a fly brush in his hand, and
- patronage of barbers.
Li Tie Guai
(李鐵拐; pinyin: Lĭ Tiĕ Guăi) The Iron-Crutch Li (second from right)
Because of his great skill at magic, Li Tie Guai, could free his soul from his body and aid others in the celestial realm. Once, while his spirit was gone from his body, a disciple decided that Li Tie Guai was dead so he burned Li's body as was traditional. When Li’s soul returned, it was forced to enter the body of a lame beggar.
He is associated with
- a double gourd that symbolizes longevity and the ability to ward off evil,
- a cloud coming out of the gourd that represents the soul,
- helping the needy and relieving the distressed,
- a mythical hoofed creature, and
- patronage of the sick.
He Xian Gu
(何仙姑; pinyin: Hé Xiān Gū) The Immortal Woman (3rd from right)
There are different legends of He Xian Gu, daughter of a 7th-century shopkeeper, however one version says that she ate a magic peach, became immortal and now flies around the earth and heavens.
She is associated with a
- lotus or lotus pond and meditation
- peach, the divine fruit of Gods and immortality or
- a musical instrument or ladle that she uses to dispense wisdom, meditation, and purity.
Zhongli Quan
(鐘离權; Pinyin: Zhōnglí Quán) fourth from right
Zhongli Quan, a fat man with his bare belly visible, had the power of transmutation and knowledge of the elixir of life.
He is associated with
- a fan which can bring the dead back to life,
- patronage of military men.
Zhang Guo Lao
(張果老; pinyin: Zhāng Guǒ Lǎo) The Elder Zhang Guo (fifth from right)
Zhang Guo Lao, an old man, travelled with a white mule. The mule could go long distances then be folded up and placed in a wallet. Water reconstituted the mule for further use.
He is associated with
- a bamboo drum that can cure life, and
- patronage of old men.
Cao Gou Jiu
(曹國舅; pinyin: Cáo Guó Jiù) The Royal Uncle Cao (6th from right)
There are also different legends of Cao Gou Jiu. In one part of the royal family and the son of a military commander. In another, his brother killed a person and Royal Uncle Cao was so sad that he resigned his office and left home.
He is associated with
- castanets, which represent his free access to the palace, a benefit of his rank,
- a jade tablet, which can purify the air,
- formal court dress,and
- patronage of actors.
Lan Cai
(蓝采和; pinyin: Lán Cǎihé) The Immortal Hermaphrodite (seventh from right)
Lan Cai is said to have wandered the streets as a beggar while singing about the brevity of mortal life.
He/she is associated with
- a basket of flowers symbolizing longevity,
- reminding people of the transience of life,
- using the basket to communicate with gods,
- a tattered blue gown and only one shoe,
- patronage of florists.
Han Xiang Zi
(韓湘子; pinyin: Hán Xiāng Zi) The Philosopher Han Xiang (eighth from right)
Han Xiang Zi, the nephew a famous scholar, was able to make flowers bloom instantaneously and tame wild animals.
He is associated with
- the flute, which can cause growth,
- happiness,
- patronage of musicians.
Health attributes of peaches
1 peach has (RDA is recommended daily allowance for adults)
- 66 calories
- 323 mg potassium (9% RDA)
- 2.6 g dietary fiber (10% RDA)
- Vitamin A (11% RDA)
- Vitamin C (19% RDA)
- Niacin (7% RDA)
- Vitamin K (6% RDA)
Read more at: http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/peaches/peach-1cup-sliced-170-g/#ixzz13cJgwWnI
