The cabbage is a vegetable that serves as a basic food source for both the rich and poor. It is readily available in almost every vegetable store and inexpensive as well.
The Chinese name is bai cai (白菜) or sometimes known as qing cai (青菜). These 2 names can be literally translated to white vegetable or fresh vegetable respectively.
In terms of symbolism, cabbage is almost never depicted alone to convey a message. It is usually accompanied by another object of symbolism to embed the meaning of pureness into it.
When it is depicted with turnips or radish, it signifies the expression of qing bai chuan jia (青白传家) which means a family with pure virtues. This arrangement is sometimes accompanies by the dragonfly or butterfly.
When paired with an animal represented by the 12 zodiac signs, it is meant to have connotations with wealth luck. The most common zodiacs used in this pairing is the monkey and goat.
Sometimes insects are depicted with cabbage as well. This is an alternative design meant to symbolize the same life aspects as that with zodiacs.
