In ancient Chinese culture, the pine, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom are called the "Three Friends of Winter", with the pine regarded as a symbol of nobility since the Pre - Qin era. Confucius' words about the pine's late - withering in cold seasons gave it moral meanings, and with the influence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, it represents loftiness, resilience, and vitality. 

The Lantern Festival, starting from the early Eastern Han Dynasty, has a 2000 - year - long history. Originally a sacrificial festival, it evolved, and during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, lantern - related activities became important. Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui held grand lantern shows, and in the Tang, the festival grew more vibrant with large - scale lantern displays and extended celebration time. In the Song Dynasty, Lantern Festival markets were filled with all - night lights, performances, and elaborate lantern setups in Kaifeng and Lin'an.

Now, let's focus on Chung Chen Sun's "In the Plum Garden" (2011). The rough, textured tree trunks contrast strikingly with the delicately arranged thin branches. The strokes on the trunks, full of ruggedness, suggest age and endurance. The thin branches, carefully drawn, wind through the composition gracefully, as if reaching for the blossoms.

The red and white plum blossoms steal the show. The red ones are full of passion and vitality, while the white ones symbolize purity. The precisely - painted petals seem almost touchable. The blossoms are clustered in some parts, showing fullness, and sparsely placed in others, adding elegance.

The warm and harmonious atmosphere of the painting suits the Lantern Festival well. The red - white - black color combination symbolizes strong family bonds and the harmonious development of social relationships, making it a wonderful visual representation of both plum blossoms and the festival spirit.