高潔傲岸 - Pride

The first to blossom, producing buds before its leaves emerge.

Since it can flower very early in the year, it is a symbol of winter. In the Chinese Culture, winter is the start of a year. Therefore, plum blossom is the head of the four nobles.

Because of its purity it also symbolizes virginity. The plum tree is renowned for bursting into a riot of blossoms in the dead of winter. Its subtle fragrance spills forth at one of the coldest times of the year, making it difficult to go unnoticed. Though neither the plum tree nor its blossoms are very striking, they manage to exude an otherworldly exquisiteness and beautiful elegance during the desolation of winter. The demeanor and character of the plum tree thereby serves as a metaphor for inner beauty and pride display under adverse conditions