Peonies in Japanese Art Wash Cloth

The peony has a recorded history that dates back to at least 1,000 B.C. It’s not surprising, then, that there is a rich mythology surrounding its origin. A Greek legend tells that the peony is named after Paeon, a physician to the gods, and a student of Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing. Paeon was instructed by Leto, the mother of Apollo and the goddess of fertility, to obtain a magical root growing on Mount Olympus that would soothe the pain of women in childbirth. Asclepius became jealous and threatened to kill Paeon. Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by changing him into the peony flower. The Japanese peony, considered the "King of Flowers," has symbolic meanings that include wealth, good fortune, honour, daring and masculine bravery. Its beauty and symbolism serve as inspiration for many Japanese poems, frequently appearing in Japanese haiku. Here is one example that refers to the peony's reputation for bringing prosperity: “The god of fortune, and luck dwells here—a peony.” Here’s another example: “On all sides, the peony wards off, rain clouds.” Here, the soft, pink blossoms are outlined in gold.