Naming
The genus name "Osmanthus" is composed of two Greek etymons: "οσμη" meaning “smell” and "ανθος" meaning "flower". The specific name "fragrans" is a borrowing from the Latin meaning “odorous, fragrant” referring to the intense fragrance of its flowers.Cultural
From the occasion of its blossoming, the sweet osmanthus is closely associated with the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Osmanthus wine is a traditional choice for the "reunion wine" drunk with one's family, and osmanthus-flavored confections and teas may also be consumed. Chinese mythology held that a sweet osmanthus grows on the moon and was endlessly cut by Wu Gang:The tree was originally identified as a and described in the terms of the osmanthus. However, in English, it is often associated with the more well-known cassia; while, in Chinese, it has instead become associated with the Mediterranean laurel, which is now known as the or "Moon "gui"", from the similar associations of victory and success. some versions held that he was forced to cut it every 1000 years lest its luxuriant growth overshadow the moon itself, others that he was obliged to cut it constantly only to see it regrow an equal amount every day.In late imperial China, the osmanthus was also associated with the imperial examinations, which were held in the 8th lunar month. The "chengyu" "pluck osmanthus in the Toad Palace" was a refined paraphrase for "passing the exam", in part since one would attract hangers-on as if he smelled as sweet as osmanthus thereafter. "Breaking the osmanthus twig and mounting the dragon" was another euphemism, in this case, for sex.
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