In traditional Chinese painting, the day lily is often combined with ornamental Taihu rocks or pine trees, and inscribed with sayings like "forget worry grass" or "birth of boys." This is because in the eyes of the Chinese people the day lily is a kind of magic grass you can wish upon. According to the Book of Songs, the earliest collection of poems in China, a woman whose husband was on an expedition far away grew day lilies in the courtyard of her home. Its golden flower is pleasant to the eyes and edible, and the woman tried to dispel her worries with this plant. Therefore, the day lily is known as "forget worry grass." Zhang Hua (232-300) of the Western Jin Dynasty wrote in Records of Myriad Things (Bowu Zhi): Eating day lilies can make people forget their worries. Pregnant women will give birth to boys by wearing the grass plant. Therefore, the day lily is also called "birth of boys."

    It is hard to prove whether the day lily can make worries pass or bring boys to pregnant women, but one thing is certain: Chinese people like this plant. In traditional Chinese paintings, the combination of day lily and rocks and pines symbolizes longevity and prosperous offspring. Flowers and Butterflies, a painting by female Qing Dynasty artist Ma Quan, depicts such a combination. By the side of a strangely shaped rock are day lilies and corn poppies in full bloom. One butterfly hovers over them and another stands on the day lily flower. This outstanding work is effused with harmony and peace.

    Finally, in traditional Chinese paintings, pines, plum blossoms and bamboo are called "three friends of the cold winter," the best combination to symbolize the unyielding integrity of scholars and academicians.