There are many objects of food and decoration that are of particular symbolic significance during the Chinese New Year period:
Flowers
Flowers have a significant symbolic role in New Year decorations. Today in China, there are flower fairs held every evening from the 26th day of the last moon, until New Year’s Eve. The significance of some of the flowers that are on offer at these fairs are detailed below.
Plum Blossoms
Plum blossoms typically signify courage and hope in Chinese culture as the blossoms erupt at the end of winter from an apparently dead and barren tree. As with all spring blossoms, plum blossoms are particularly auspicious flowers as they symbolise the rebirth of new life, growth and prosperity.
Peach blossom
In Chinese culture, the peach is a symbol of longevity, and is believed to defend against evil. Historically, peach blossoms were placed above front doors to stop evil spirits from entering the house. Peach blossoms that bloom during the New Year period indicate good fortune for the ensuing twelve months.
Water Narcissus
This is another flower that blossoms around the time of New Year. If the white flowers blossom exactly on the day of the New Year, it is believed to signify a prosperous year ahead.
Peony
The striking red peony flower is a symbol of love and affection. In Chinese it has the impressive name of ‘Flower of Riches and Honour’. As well as representing feminine beauty, is considered to bring good fortune.
Tangerines
You will often find tangerines, oranges and kumquats in Chinese homes. This is because they are considered to be very fortunate. Tangerines and kumquats are symbolic of good luck, and oranges are symbolic of wealth. This has come about through a play on words in the Chinese language. The word for tangerine sounds same as "gold" in Chinese, and the word for orange sounds the same as "wealth".
|
