Bonsai Tree: Meaning, Symbolism, and Significance

The art of Bonsai, originating in Asia, has become far more popular in the United States in the past couple of decades. But these tiny trees have specific meaning and symbolize many things. Some meaning is derived from the shape of the plant, from the art form itself, or the tree species.

Before you purchase or gift a bonsai, you may wish to understand the origins, meanings, and symbolism found in each. Below, you’ll discover all three, and a little bit more.

What is the Meaning of Bonsai?

The literal meaning of the word “bonsai” translates from the Japanese word as “planted in a pot.” The term originated, though, from the Chinese word “pun-sai” or “penjing” or “penzai”. The word “pen” means “pot” and “jing” and its forms mean “landscape.” In essence, bonsai from Chinese means “potted landscape” or “pot landscaping.”

Bonsai trees live into this meaning well, as they are literally stunted plants confined to pots and intentionally kept small. This creates a landscape in a pot.

A Brief Etymology and Origin of Bonsai

While many folks might think of the art of Bonsai as a Japanese art form, it actually began in China. The original art form emerged around 700 AD during the Tang Dynasty. It’s likely that bonsai was practiced earlier, though we have no records to confirm this.

Penjing, the Chinese form of bonsai, and bonsai hold to the same basic foundational practices. The Chinese form focuses on creating landscapes and natural scenes, though. Japanese bonsai focuses more on singular plants or clustered plants within the pot.

Both involve shaping plants via pruning and the intentional confined space of container. Chinese penjing, though, may include rocks, models, or small figurines. These help to create a full living-inanimate scene.

Bonsai Tree Symbolism

The ancient tradition of penjing and bonsai has lasted for so long because of the very activity and symbolism of the art form. Creating and caring for bonsai trees naturally evokes peace and tranquility. Natural scenes and scenic beauty also come into play, and many folks think of bonsai as harmony with nature.

Originally, bonsai trees were thought of as status symbols for both the artist and the owner of the tree. Typically, the richest persons in a community owned bonsai, not “common” folks. Thankfully, today anyone may enjoy this peaceful art form, along with the inner peace, balance, and tranquility the trees symbolize.

How the Shape of Bonsai Trees Impacts Their Meaning and Symbolism

The intricate, harmonious art of bonsai finds symbolism and meaning even in the shape of the bonsai tree. Many shapes exist in the art form, but some of the most commonly found include the following.

Slanting

Slanting bonsai, known as Shakan, have been trained to lean to one side. In nature, this kind of appearance occurs when a tree is repeatedly influenced by prevailing winds. The slanted appearance symbolizes patience, strength, and perseverance through life.

Cascade

Known as Kengai, the cascade shape comes from training a bonsai to trail or cascade the trunk in a given direction. This results in the tree resembling a waterfall. This particular discipline is unnatural for the tree, so it’s a tricky one for practitioners. The cascade shape is thought to symbolize harmony and patience.

Semi-cascade

The semi-cascade, or Han-kengai, trains the tree to grow slightly downward before leveling out. This could be seen as a wave. This is often how trees naturally grow from the sides of cliffs and represents balance in life.

Formal Upright

Grown vertically, with neatly trimmed trees, each branch pruned shorter than the one below it, depicts nature in the open. These healthy, stress-free trees in formal upright, or Chokan, symbolize harmony, simplicity, and health.

Informal Upright

Weathered looking, the informal upright shape usually grows in an S-shape. This natural shape comes from trees who’ve experienced much in life and represents perseverance, harmony, and the cycle of life.

What is the Meaning Behind a Bonsai Tree as a Gift?

Many people give bonsai trees as gifts. These are considered to be thoughtful expressions of friendship and love. The trees themselves provide a form of companionship, which helps to symbolize this joy of relationship and friendship. They make great housewarming gifts, as well, as signs of welcome, peace, and blessing on a person’s life. 

Bonsai Tree Symbolism by Species

As mentioned earlier, the species of bonsai may also symbolize something important for the practitioner.

• Jade — abundance, prosperity, wealth, good fortune, friendship
• Cherry blossom (Sakura) — divine existence, cycle of life, living in the moment, renewal, rebirth, feminine strength
• Ginkgo — perseverance and health
• Ginseng Ficus — positive energy, abundance, new beginnings, youth, simplicity, vitality
• Fukien Tea Tree — courage, love, harmony, perseverance
• Cedar — immortality, generosity, protection, strength, longevity, healing
• Pomegranate — youth, vitality for young trees, wisdom and age for older trees
• Oak — power, longevity, good luck, healing, maturity, knowledge, loyalty, eternal life, strength
• Juniper — purification, protection, power, healing, good health
• Japanese Maple — peace, beauty, elegance, serenity, balance, practicality
• Azalea — femininity, abundance, passion, wealth, love
• Chinese Elm — harmony, love, peace, balance
• Boxwood — immortality and longevity
• Flowering Apricot — new beginnings, elegance, purity, faithfulness, wisdom, old age
• Pine — faithfulness, virtue, longevity, conviction, stability
• Beech — youth, vitality, ancestral wisdom, longevity
• Weeping Fig — youthful energy, vitality, peace, unity, abundance, wealth
• Chinese Sweet Plum Bonsai — youth, vitality, health, protection, new life, renewal, creativity