‘迎春’ literally means 'to welcome spring' and functions primarily as a noun referring to the early-spring flowering shrub *Jasminum nudiflorum*, known for its bright yellow blossoms that appear before leaves, often in late winter or early February. The character 迎 (yíng) means 'to welcome' or 'to greet', while 春 (chūn) means 'spring' — together they evoke the idea of actively welcoming the new season. This plant is deeply rooted in Chinese cultural symbolism, representing resilience, hope, and the renewal of life after winter.

Traditionally, people plant 迎春 in gardens or display cut branches indoors during Lunar New Year celebrations to herald spring’s arrival. It is also one of the 'Four Gentlemen' of traditional Chinese painting (though less common than plum, orchid, and bamboo), and appears frequently in poetry and seasonal festivals. Unlike general spring-related terms, 迎春 specifically highlights both the botanical species and the ceremonial act of greeting the season — making it culturally rich and context-sensitive.