Symbols and Traditions of Friendship

The Jade Plant or "Friendship Tree"
Some people mistake the Jade Plant to be the money plant. This plant has pink and white flowers and it's succulent green leaves, signify the joy and energy between two friends. The plant is said to have the capacity to spread joy, positive energy and add happiness in any environment. It is an ideal gift to be given to a friend.

Ivy is Symbolic of Connections and Friendships
Ivy has a propensity to interweave in growth. Ever furrowing and intertwining, the ivy is an example of the twists and turns our friendships often take - but it is also a testimony to the long-lasting connections and bonds we form with our friends over the years.

Another tribute to friendship, as well as the test of time, is the ivy's ability to grow in challenging environments. The ivy is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh conditions. This is symbolic of our ability to stick by our friends no matter what.

Yellow or Pink Rose
The Yellow Rose is the symbol of Friendship. However the Pink Rose often takes the place of the yellow rose these days, as the pink rose denotes the warmth, care and closeness of true Friendship.

Chrysanthemums Friendship Box
The Chrysanthemum is one of the most honored flowers in Asia. This a friendship symbol that comes from the Japanese Culture. In Japan chrysanthemums called "kikus" are exchanged between friends as a symbol of the virtue and incomparable value of their friendship.

In Japan it also symbolizes high honor and Royalty. In Chinese art it is associated with harvest and prosperity, but is more often used as a symbol of longevity because it survives the frost and is called the flower of the ninth moon. They were featured on the imperial crest of Japan and beloved by Emperors, who ruled from chrysanthemum thrones.

Pineapples are Age-old Symbols of Friendship, Hospitality and Commitment
In times past, in larger, well-to-do homes, dining room doors were kept closed to heighten visitors' suspense about the dinner table being readied on the other side. At the appointed moment, the doors were flung open to reveal the evening's main event. Visitors confronted with pineapple-topped food displays felt particularly honored by a hostess who obviously spared no expense to ensure her guests' dining pleasure.

This was how the pineapple, came to symbolize welcoming friendship, good cheer, human warmth and the family affection that was inherent to such gatherings. Pineapples are still a treasured housewarming gift for friends and family.

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Dolphins
Dolphins are a symbol of friendship, intelligence, and good luck. Its status of luck was likely related to the fact that the dolphin was most commonly seen on the seas when the weather and waves were calm and fair. The Celts innately understood the intimate relationship between nature and beast.

Frogs
Frogs represent transformation of the positive kind and are a good omen as they symbolize happiness and great friendships.

Turtles
The Turtle symbolizes Heaven's Blessings, Harmony, Longevity. If you have a friend who has endured, make a gift of a turtle as a symbol of the blessings that you've enjoyed together over time. The turtle will protect and preserve the harmony in your friendship.

Picture: Seven Dolphins by Jim Warren AllPosters.com