[From Peonies, by Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, p. 10:] gifts of peonies are exchanged as symbols of friendship and prosperity...

[Ibid, p. 74:] A peony in full flower symbolizes happiness, good fortune and material prosperity. It also represents enduring love and friendship... Herbaceous peonies as well as tree peonies were given as friendship presents... If your peony's leaves should wilt and dry up or the flowers suddenly fade, you can expect disaster to strike your family or, at the very least, poverty to creep through your door...
[Ibid, p. 79:] Today it is still considered lucky to have images of peonies in your house