Palm

The symbolic nature of the palm is of retirement and a life free from the hassles of normal existence.

The state of being retired is illustrated by a figure sitting under a palm-tree, a cottage perched on the top of the high cliff in the recesses of a mountain hidden underneath an overhanging cliff. This image is quite appealing to the Chinese people; thinking very highly of retired life, being away from the turmoil of the everyday business of living as ideal.  

The leaves of the palm are used to make fans; another type of palm has fibrous brown bracts that are made into matting, cordage, brushes and so on.