So, you just got your first bonsai tree and now you want to know more than just how to care for it. Is there a bonsai tree meaning that you are unaware of? Perhaps there is a special bonsai tree meaning as a gift or as a form of art?
It might surprise you to learn about the intent and symbolization that these diminutive plants and trees offer. It might not be surprising at all, considering that this discipline can trace its roots to the early eighth-century C.E. in China. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind the bonsai from various perspectives.
Translating The Word Bonsai
If you were to look for a dictionary definition of the word bonsai, it would indicate that the word describes a tree or shrub that is grown in a pot, is ornamental in nature, and is kept small artificially. That definition might be expanded to include the art of growing these plants, shrubs, or trees as well.
Bonsai, and the meaning behind the word, is more than this, however.
The word is Japanese in origin. It combines “Bon” (which translates to “tray”) and “Sai” (which translates to “planting”), giving a literal translation as “tray planting.” You can now get a better understanding of bonsai when you add tray planting to the literal definition found in a dictionary. This, however, does not present a full meaning.
Bonsai arrived in Japan in the six century through members of the Imperial embassy, as well as students of Buddhism, from China. The Chinese had already been practicing Penjing for some time before the Japanese missions to Imperial China.
Penjing (literally meaning “tray scenery”), specifically Shumu Penjing, depicted one or more trees in a container. This was accomplished through pruning, trimming, and wiring the materials. A key addition to our understanding is the word scenery.
Adding it all together we can now define bonsai (“tray planting”) as the act of manipulating material (plants, shrubs, or trees) through shaping (pruning, trimming, or wiring) to create miniature scenery in a container (pot or tray).
What Does A Bonsai Tree Symbolize?
One of the major components that a bonsai represents is that of balance. If you take an overall look at most bonsai you will notice that it is often triangular in shape (or contains elements that are triangular). This adds stability to the visual representation the artist is trying to showcase.
Just as in nature, this triangle is seldom perfect. The Japanese will use an isosceles triangle with two equal sides before an equilateral triangle, to highlight imperfection. This offers the viewer a sense of strength while providing them with a balanced look they would witness in a natural setting.
Another element of symbolization found in bonsai is that of simplicity. This is especially true with the more traditional bonsai styles. In Japanese culture, simplicity permeates all aspects of life, including artistic expressions like bonsai. This is displayed in bonsai from the design of the material to the bonsai pot and stand used to showcase it.
Complicated and intricate patterns take away from the natural look that bonsai is attempting to recreate. Bright colors are avoided to keep the focus on the plant, shrub, or tree. Even the soil or moss used to cover it are simple in design and will not become a focal point for the viewer’s eyes.
Providing harmony is another aspect that bonsai artists attempt to symbolize with their creations. The customs, laws, and rules of Japanese culture tend towards non-conflict. The guidelines found in the craft of bonsai also highlight the harmonious elements found in nature. This is often accomplished with how the bark and shape of the material are displayed. Curves and soft lines are offered to the viewer with branch and root profiles. This helps to balance the triangular patterns formed with the bonsai tree.
Age is another element that can be symbolized by a bonsai tree. A trunk with no markings will give the viewer an impression of youth, while a trunk with scars looks aged. Even foliage can matter, with leaves that climb looking younger than leaves that sag towards the ground.
Elders in Japanese society have traditionally been honored and the bonsai tree can symbolize the beauty and majesty of age. This can be done through the manipulation of the plant or tree. It can also be symbolized by the time that it takes to grow a bonsai tree. Lastly, it is on display with the age of some bonsai specimens, some of which have been around for centuries.
Bonsai Tree Meaning As A Gift
Giving or receiving a bonsai tree as a gift represents a unique way for expressions of friendship, love, and respect. Gifting a plant to someone provides a living connection between individuals. Giving a bonsai should be reserved for those who have patience and enjoy expressing their artistic side.
Using the definition and symbolization discussed previously, a bonsai gift can bring a small bit of nature to someone’s home. This could prove an excellent choice for an urban setting.
Another consideration when giving a bonsai tree as a gift is to mark certain occasions such as a birthday. Bonsai are a gift that can provide them with a lifelong companion with proper care.
A newer holiday that makes a perfect time for the gifting of a bonsai is the arbor day/earth day celebrations. The meaning behind a gift at these times is clear; taking care of the bonsai equates to the care that must be taken with the environment as a whole.
Bonsai Tree Meaning In Feng Shui
Feng Shui seeks to balance the natural world with our homes and workplaces. The idea of balance is shared with the art of bonsai and should make for an ideal room decor that brings nature to a room. Being a wood element, feng shui principles suggest that a bonsai tree would be a great enhancement for the east or southeast portions of a room.
There are those who practice feng shui that believe it is a negative aspect that should be avoided. This is due to the belief that bonsai limits natural growth and that it symbolizes the same in one’s life.
If you practice feng shui you will have to determine for yourself what bonsai means for your life and that of the tree. Hopefully, the content of this article will help to provide you with an informed opinion.
Bonsai Tree Dream Meaning
Those who enjoy interpreting their dreams can see the appearance of a bonsai tree in one of two ways.
On the positive side of things, a bonsai can mean a positive connection with something that you are good at but may not be a professional. It can also emphasize the careful cultivation of unique personality traits. These interpretations are seen in the practice of bonsai with the isosceles triangle configuration as well as the patience exercised in shaping the material over time.
Negative meanings assigned by dream interpreters include exploitation, deception, and showmanship. These may not be the mindset found in practitioners of bonsai, so these interpretations will be usually symbolized by something besides a bonsai.
Bonsai Tree Tattoo Meaning
A tattoo is a personal decision and the meaning behind it will also have meanings that only the owner understands or appreciates. With that being said, a tattoo of the bonsai tree is often associated with peace, patience, and strong beliefs. It has come to symbolize the positive aspects found in nature for many who get a bonsai inked into their skin.
Do Different Types Of Bonsai Trees Have Different Meanings?
Bonsai come in an endless variety of materials ranging from indoor houseplants to hardy conifers found in mountain climates. There are meanings associated with these trees in their standard form, such as a Jade plant symbolizing luck and money (hence the name money plant).
Another meaning behind various bonsai trees is the style that they come in. These can equate to multiple aspects of a person’s life and how they handle its flow. These meanings taken from bonsai tree styles include:
- Formal upright – recognizing tranquility or strength;
- Informal upright – acknowledging a steadiness during changes;
- Slanting – recognizing stability under stress;
- Semi-cascade – Remaining strong during hardships;
- Cascade – Highlighting changes brought on by challenges in life.
Finally, there is also a personal meaning for the artist that depends upon features of particular bonsai materials. It is hoped that you will find your own bonsai tree meaning during your artistic journey.