The broad-leaved epiphyllum is a beautiful and precious white flower which usually blooms at night, and its blossom only lasts for a brief period. According to a Buddhist legend, the plant blooms only on the birth of divine kings.
This idiom describes thing which disappear shortly after they come into being.

昙花（tán huā）是一种美丽而珍贵的花。这种花多在夜间开放，开花的时间又极短，很快就凋谢了。所以人们很难得看见。按照佛教的传说，转轮王出世。昙花才能生长出来，极力形容昙花难得出现。“昙花一现”比喻事物或人物出现不久就消失了。

昙花一现 (tán huā yī xiàn)
【翻 译】A flower that vanishes as soon as it appears.
【释 义】昙花，开放时间很短。比喻美好的事物或景象出现了一下，很快就消失。
【例 句】人生没有多少年,只昙花一现一转眼。
【近义词】稍纵即逝、好景不长
【反义词】万古长青

Tags: history and culture Chinese literature