In 1986, the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress passed a resolution to adopt the white magnolia as the city flower. White magnolia is among the few spring heralding flowers in the Shanghai area. It is in full blossom in the early spring and before the Clear and Bright Festival, which usually falls on April 5 every year. The flower has large, white petals and its eye always looks towards the sky. Therefore, the flower is hired to personify the pioneering and enterprising spirit of the city.