The Sick Plum Trees

In China, resistance against society imposing its standards on everyone is often subtle. People don’t raise their fists and shout about the lack of freedom. Instead, they might say:
“I bought a pot of plum trees that look twisted and unnatural. I made a vow to heal them.”

In China, it has long been believed that plum trees are more beautiful when their branches are curved. Straight branches are seen as lacking grace. Because of this, growers often cut off the straight branches and use wire to bend the branches into twisted, unnatural shapes. They create sick-looking trees just to make money.

So when someone says, “I vow to heal these sick plum trees, to let them follow their true nature, to break the pots and plant them all in the ground—so they can regain their natural form and grow strong and healthy,” they are not really talking about plum trees.
They are resisting how society forces its common standards onto free individuals.

Inspired by China's tradition of subtle expression, we designed "The Sick Plum Trees" personalized gift series.