Plum Blossom Dye

Prunus mume

Prunus mume, also known as a Chinese plum, is a tree species in the family Rosaceae. It is also referenced by its flowers as plum blossom. Although referred to as a plum in English, it is classified in the Armeniaca section of the genus Prunus, making it an apricot. Mei flowers, or meihua (梅花), which bloom in the late winter and early spring, notably during the spring festival (春節), symbolize endurance, as they are the first to bloom despite the cold; the flower is one of the Three Friends of Winter.

Plum

A plum is a fruit of some species in Prunus subg. Prunus. Dried plums are usually called prunes.

Blossom

In botany, blossoms are the flowers of stone fruit trees and of some other plants with a similar appearance that flower profusely for a period of time in spring.

Dye

A dye is a colored substance that is soluble in some solvent; by contrast pigments are insoluble or nearly so in all solvents. Because of their solubility, dyes can chemically bind to the material they color. Dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution and may require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fiber.

plum

Noun

1. The fruit and its tree.

Adjective

1. Of a dark bluish-red colour.
2. Choice; especially lavish or preferred.

blossom

Noun

1. A flower, especially one indicating that a fruit tree is fruiting; a mass of such flowers.
2. The state or season of producing such flowers.

Verb

1. To have, or open into, blossoms; to bloom.
2. To begin to thrive or flourish.

dye

Noun

1. A colorant, especially one that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is applied.
2. Any hue or color.

Verb

1. To colour with dye, or as if with dye.