• Artwork

    Moran – The Peony: 모란

    Introduction Next to the lotus flower, arguably the second most popular flower you’ll find at a Korean Buddhist temple is the peony, which is known as “moran – 모란” in Korean. The peony represents loyalty, prosperity, beauty, good fortune, and wealth. Additionally, while the lotus flower is symbolic of spiritual growth within Buddhism, the peony is associated with religious nobility and dignity. In addition to peonies appearing alone at Korean Buddhist temples, they can also be joined by other flowers like the rose. If a peony and a rose appear together in a Buddhist painting, this is meant to symbolize wealth, honour, and a long spring. However, if a peony…