In Eastern culture, the pine tree is far more than a plant—it is a poem of life itself. Standing tall in severe cold, eternally verdant, it has become the supreme symbol of longevity, eternal youth, and the resilience of life. The ancients spoke of being "old as the pine and cypress," and the pine endures the harsh winter with perpetual greenery. As celebrated in the "Book of Poetry (Shijing)", the verse reads: "Like the flourishing pine and cypress, bearing endless vitality"—a metaphor for boundless life force that withstands the trials of deepest winter.
/CHUNG/ captures the sacred soul of the pine tree on the solstice night—when the sun seems to die, when all things wither, the pine stands resolute against snow and wind, a beacon of hope that light triumphs over darkness. The ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia saw the pine as a symbol of time and rebirth, representing eternal hope in traversing darkness and welcoming light. Christianity later absorbed this ancient tradition, making the pine an eternal symbol of Christmas. In the concept of "having an elder is like possessing treasure," the pine tree—a veritable treasure trove—reveals its medicinal wisdom from the ancient "Bencao Gangmu" (Compendium of Materia Medica) to modern scientific research. The rich vitamin C and antioxidants in pine needles, and the pinene and bornyl acetate in pine bark, bring the healing power of nature.
Mythology & Cultural Background
The Pine in Eastern Culture
First Among the "Three Friends of Winter"
As the premier symbol of resilience among the "Three Friends of Winter" (pine, bamboo, plum), the pine tree embodies the purest poetry of life force. Even when snowstorms rage, it stands tall; even in the deepest winter, it remains verdant. In the writings of ancient poets and scholars, the pine is the embodiment of noble character—fearless in the face of cold, unbowed by fierce winds, standing proud on cliff faces like an incorruptible and steadfast gentleman.
The Infinite Continuity of Life
Ancient pines, often living for centuries, bear witness to the eternal cycle of life beyond human comprehension. "Having an elder is like possessing a treasure"—the pine, a complete treasure in itself, is not merely a cultural symbol but nature's own pharmacy.
The Sacred Quality of Western Winter Solstice Rituals
Saturnalia and the Symbol of Time
As early as the 4th century BCE, Germanic and Northern European peoples viewed the pine as a sacred symbol connecting life and death. The Roman Saturnalia honored the pine as a symbol of time and rebirth. Saturn, the god of time, wielding his sickle—the reaper of life—stands in profound contrast with the pine's eternal vitality: the eternal cycle of death and rebirth.
The Eternal Symbol of Christmas
The Romans would decorate their temples with pine branches to celebrate the return of light after the winter solstice. When the longest night of winter arrives, the pine becomes a beacon of hope that light will triumph over darkness. Christianity later absorbed this ancient tradition, making the pine an eternal symbol of Christmas—from pagan winter solstice ceremonies to Christian salvation symbolism, the pine transcends civilizations, perpetually radiating the immortal light of life.
Usage Recommendations
Optimal Times of Use
Winter Solstice Celebration
Light a candle on the winter solstice night, apply CHUNG body mist, and participate in the sacred ritual of Rome's Saturnalia, welcoming the return of light.
Winter Mornings
Use immediately after a winter morning shower—let the crisp fragrance of pine awaken your senses, bringing resilience and clarity to your new day.
Meditation & Contemplation
In the late winter afternoon, find a quiet corner, apply CHUNG, and breathe deeply of the pine's wisdom, allowing your body and spirit to receive healing and tranquility.
Festive Occasions
During the Christmas season, use CHUNG body mist to create a warm, ancient, spiritual atmosphere—as sacred as the ancient pine branches that once adorned temples.
Complementary Pairings
- Season: Winter (especially recommended around winter solstice, Christmas, and New Year)
- Time: Early morning, evening, nighttime meditation
- Setting: Personal meditation, quiet moments, festive rituals, warm home environments
- Fragrance Pairing: Can be paired with sandalwood and agarwood for contemplative depth, or with cinnamon and clove for warming warmth