The bamboo symbolizes moral integrity, and is often particularly applied to the scholar, who may bend with the wind of adversity but who will never allow his principles to be broken.
Bamboo symbolizes many virtues of a scholar in Chinese traditional culture. It symbolizes honesty, humility, and loyalty. It bends in a storm but does not break and thus exemplifies integrity, endurance, flexibility, and gracefulness. Because of its strength, bamboo is also a symbol of long life. The word “bamboo” in Chinese is a homophone with the word "to wish" (zhu 竹), making bamboo a rebus for blessings.
It is an emblem of longevity due to its durability, ability to withstand hard weather and evergreen qualities. Confucian symbol of eternal friendship. Together with the Pine and the Plum tree, it forms the "Three Friends of Winter". The Bamboo leafs droop because its "inside" (heart) is empty, thus also a symbol of the virtue of modesty. When the wind blows the bamboo bends "in laughter". Bamboo = to wish, Bamboo fireworks = wish for peace; bamboo + vase = wish for peace and quiet; bamboo + plum = man and wife; bamboo + plum + parents = married bliss; a bamboo twig = Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin).
One of "Four Noble Plants".
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