“Love, in its most tangible form.” That is embodied by the seeds of the \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811. The \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 stands before you a silent witness to centuries of Chinese history.
Let’s delve into the tale of this remarkable tree. The \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 also known as Ormosia Hosiei offers more than just visual appeal. Its heartwood is treasured. It is known in China as “Huali wood”.
This precious wood is known for its density and its resistance to decay. The texture of the \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 is smooth when cut. Its surface becomes increasingly lustrous with age. The Longquan sword a national treasure boasts a hilt and scabbard crafted from Huali wood.
The history of planting the \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 in China is ancient. Left Si a Western Jin Dynasty writer mentioned it in his “Wu Du Fu”. He called it a “tree of longing”. Li Shan of the Tang Dynasty noted its strong material and beautiful patterns. He said it could be used to make instruments.
During the Tang Dynasty Li Jiayou wrote about the tree’s seeds. He noted their round shape and red color. He also mentioned their use in creating musical instruments. He wrote about their use for game boards. He also compared its seeds to coral because of their color.
From these accounts the \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 is linked to various other trees. These include the catalpa and the lilac all from the bean family. The seeds however set it apart due to their unique red hue.
By the Three Kingdoms period people were planting the \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811. They used its wood to craft diverse items from game boards to musical instruments. It was esteemed enough to earn another name. That name was the “Narra tree”.
Known as the sacred tree of Buddhism the Narra is linked to legends. Maya is said to have given birth to Buddha under its branches. Past Buddhas are said to have attained enlightenment while sitting under it.
During the Qing Dynasty it was noted that the \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 was hard to grow. It could take over twenty years for it to flower. It then took three more years to produce seeds. The tree’s flowers have a unique silk-like thread at their core.
The tree’s association with love is amplified by the poet Wang Wei. Wang Wei wrote “Red beans grow in southern lands. In spring they put forth many branches. I advise you to gather them plentifully. For this substance is best for remembering”.
Qu Dajun a Qing scholar described the tree’s seeds. He said they resemble leaves. He compared their color to rubies. He spoke of mountain girls using them to adorn their hair. He said they looked like pearls. He also stated that these seeds could last for years.
The seeds were used as dice. According to Tao Zongyi of the Ming Dynasty the seeds were inlaid in dice. This added elegance to the game. It made them treasures of noblemen.
Historical accounts also tie the \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 to love stories. One tells of a woman who cried beneath a tree. Her tears stained the seeds red. Hence the name “love bean”.
The Red Bean Villa in Suzhou is famous. Hui Zhouheng a Qing scholar lived there. He named himself “Master of the Red Bean”. He also named his residence “Red Bean Study”.
Qian Qianyi and his wife Liu Rushi lived at the Red Bean Mountain Villa. It had a large \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811. Local scholars would visit to write poetry. This estate was their haven after political turmoil.
Today this \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 continues to inspire. Its seeds remain symbols of love. The \u7ea2\u8c46\u6811 before you is a testament to nature’s beauty. It also shows love’s enduring power. Take a moment to appreciate its presence. Remember its story. It is one woven into the heart of Chinese culture.