Here is a new year personality pop quiz for you— Between the pine, bamboo, and plum, which one do you think represents you the best?

Let me explain: In Chinese culture, these three plants each hold special meaning:

The Pine: Evergreen, strong, and wise—like a venerable scholar. The pine symbolizes wisdom, strength, and longevity.

The Bamboo: Flexible and humble—it bends, but rarely breaks, and its hollow stems are a symbol of humbleness, never full of itself.

The Plum: Blooming at the year’s end, the plum stands for resilience and hope, as its blossoms are the first sign of spring.

At a recent Lan Su staff meeting, we used this as an icebreaker. To my surprise, most of my coworkers saw themselves as plums! Me? I’m the odd one that picked bamboo (Yes, I like to think I’m flexible and humble!)

Fun fact: These three plants together form a classic cultural motif known as “The Three Friends of Winter” (歲寒三友). They all thrive during the coldest season and become inspiration of generations of poets, artists, and musicians. Here is a stunning example, a painting scroll by the famous 16th-century scholar, Wen Zhengming of Suzhou.)

Don’t forget to check them out during your next visit to Lan Su. May these “Friends of Winter” inspire you, as they’ve inspired Chinese scholars for centuries, offering strength, flexibility, and hope for the new year.