What Does Bonsai Mean and Symbolize?

Bonsai tree symbol meaning

Bonsai Tree symbolism goes deep into the history of humanity. We would like to go through the most popular types of Bonsai Trees and their meanings, discuss the symbolism behind different types of Bonsais and cover the most common concepts on the Bonsai varieties. Bonsai has always carried its own symbolism. Bonsai symbolizes the human desire for eternal happiness and the flow of time. The creation of bonsai is the path to peace of mind, wise detachment from reality, and melancholic meditation, while every bonsai tree carries its own bonsai definition.

Bonsai has always implemented the philosophy of seeing beauty in small things, the reflection of the boundless perfection of nature in a small space. Special attention to detail as a connecting link in the variety of human feelings that require awakening within the craving for beauty and the need to overshadow the mundane of everyday life. The close connection with nature is revealed in the desire to create. Although the path to perfection is sometimes longer than human life, constant movement forward when creating bonsai is a metaphor for a symbol of the spirit, an extensive field of activity to realize the potential and the true philosophy of life.

Here are the most popular Bonsai Trees, their meaning and symbolism:

Juniper Bonsai Tree.

This majestic Bonsai Tree, which is one of the most classic and traditional Bonsai Trees in the world, represents the symbol of protection, strength, and harmony. Dynamic lines, asymmetrical shapes, curves, and twists are considered the metaphor of unique natural abilities to overcome life’s challenges, difficulties, and obstacles.

Serissa – Serissa Foetida Bonsai, Snow Rose Serissa – a Tree of Thousand Stars.

A fabulous tree, a true star for a lot of Bonsai collectors stands out as a symbol of well-being, hope, and love. Delicate foliage and gentle blooms represent loving energy, a sense of art, and pure intentions, while developed root structure and a remarkable trunk are often associated with stable grounds and solid foundations.

Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree.

This common Bonsai Tree is very well known for its thick and knotted trunk as well as lush foliage accompanied with gentle blooming and bright berries. It symbolizes strong family connections and is considered to be a “family tree” standing out for the pride of ancestry. Fukien Tea also represents the cycle of life interacting with their growers by providing a full circle of bonsai development – new leaves, blooms, berries, and a new circle of life.

Strong Jade Dwarf Crassula.

According to Bonsai History, Jade is often referred to as the “Lucky Money Tree”, a bonsai that brings money, prosperity, financial, and business luck into the owner’s home. Jade is known for its resilience and adaptiveness as well as strength and forgiveness. It is recommended to place Jade Bonsai close to the office, cash register, safe box, or any corner of the house representing money.

Tigerbark Retusa Bonsai Tree.

This gorgeous Bonsai tree helps people with both physical and emotional pain, increases human abilities to cope with a crisis or any life difficulties by purifying the air and transmitting positive vibes. Tigerbark Retusa is often placed in the most intimate rooms of the house to stabilize the atmosphere and bring peace of mind.

Eugenia Brush Cherry / Myrtyfolia.

The most feminine and graceful Bonsai Tree of all times. Brush Cherry represents fruitfulness, kindness, growing energy, and tranquility. A perfect gift for any female, an excellent present to bring to a new home, congratulate on a new family member, or to simply make someone special smile.