Spring has a unique way of announcing its arrival when you work in a garden—like, through my never-ending seasonal allergies (seriously, my coworkers are probably making a “cough-sneeze count” spreadsheet at this point). And, of course, through the gorgeous blossoms at Lan Su!
Yun Shui Teahouse windows with butterfly carvings
Lately, I’ve become obsessed with this photo of our Yun Shui Teahouse window. The lush green, the bright spring camellias, and the sun streaming in, creating that perfect glowy effect. But wait—did you notice something winged hidden in the window design? Yup, butterflies! All of our ginkgo wood windows feature these delicate butterfly carvings!
In Chinese culture, butterflies aren’t just pretty little bugs; they’ve got serious symbolism! They represent fortune (“hu-die,” 蝴蝶, which means butterfly in Chinese and sounds like “fu die,” 福迭, meaning “never-ending fortune”). They also signify the pursuit of romance. You’ll find butterflies fluttering through our garden lattice windows and leak windows, and they’re often seen in Chinese art. They’re basically nature’s little good-luck charm.
Speaking of butterflies, have you heard the epic tale of The Butterfly Lovers (梁祝)? It’s kind of like China’s Romeo and Juliet—except with more butterflies and less tragedy (in my opinion). A young woman named Zhu Yingtai 祝英台 disguised herself as a boy to attend school, where she met the kind-hearted Liang Shanbo 梁山伯. They became the best of friends—though Liang didn’t know his friend was actually a girl! When Zhu was promised to someone else, Liang’s heart broke, and he passed away. But wait for it—on Zhu’s wedding day, she visits his grave, and—poof—two butterflies burst out, soaring together forever. The ultimate “love transcends all” moment!
*Notice the butterfly details in this leak window design? There is one butterfly at each corner.
It’s a pretty dreamy story, right? As a theatre major, I’ve always found the tale of The Butterfly Lovers slightly more encouraging than Romeo & Juliet. At least the Chinese star-crossed lovers became free and soaring butterflies instead of dying just because of bad timing with poison. No offense, Shakespeare!
So, next time you’re at our Yun Shui Teahouse, let the romance of butterflies flutter into your heart. May never-ending fortune, joy, and the blessing of love be with you this April!
*Monument to Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai near the Tomba di Giulietta in Verona, Italy
Venus Sun
Senior Director of Experience
Lan Su Chinese Garden
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