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Chinese New Year, which is falling on January 22, 2023, heralds the start of a fresh beginning and ushers in the year of the rabbit. A select few dishes, vegetables, and fruits gain popularity during the Chinese New Year. They are regarded as bringers of luck. The celebrators have a special affinity for them. Having some lucky Chinese New Year dishes is a simple way to start anew. Fruits associated with the Chinese New Year have auspicious meanings in addition to sweet and tangy treats consumed or given as presents to bring luck. For the Chinese New Year, consider these nine auspicious fruits and learn why they are significant.
Red Dragon Fruit
Juicy dragon fruits, Image Source: Pexels
Red dragon fruits are scrumptious, wholesome, and aesthetically pleasing. Since they are red and include the word "dragon" in their name, they may be among the most auspicious fruits for the Chinese New Year. Red is associated with luck, and dragons are legendary animals.
Persimmons
Persimmons represent longevity and provide good fortune. This delicious fruit is associated with the Chinese proverb that everything happens for a reason. To convey joy, persimmons are also presented as gifts. They are consumed on their own or used as a condiment in cakes. The locals gorge on this fruit in the hope that it will boost their chances of luck in the coming year.
Citrus Fruits
Fresh and juicy tangerine, Image Source: Pexels
Citrus fruits hold special significance and are symbolic of good luck and happiness. Oranges, mandarins, tangerines, and kumquats are considered lucky. Kumquats are presented as gifts since it's thought that they'll bring luck and fortune. Citrus fruits have a rounded shape representing wholeness, and their bright yellow colour represents positivity and abundance. Mandarins pronounce as "gold" (gum), and Chinese New Year oranges as "success" (chaang), respectively, in Cantonese. Never present anything as gifts in multiples of four since the number four sounds deathlike (sei).
Pineapples
Pineapples are a symbol of prosperity and luck. Some Chinese cook it. Two pineapples are traditionally placed at homes during Chinese New Year, particularly in regions near Fujian Province. The Hokkien term for pineapple, "ong lai," denotes good fortune. Families in some Chinese homes roll in the pineapple while yelling a Hokkien phrase "to flourish." Pineapples are left under a tree to symbolise the never-ending flow of fortune rather than being eaten.
Grapes
Bunches of grapes, Image Source: Pexels
In the native language, grapes are referred to as "Ptáo" and represent abundance. Given that grapes typically grow in bunches, they are a fruitful and abundant metaphor. It implies that luck will always be with you. Moreover, whether you choose purple or green, both have beautiful connotations: purple is associated with respect and elegance, while green is associated with vigour and success.
Pomelos
Pomelos are among the most significant types of auspicious fruits for Chinese New Year, regardless of their shape, colour, or symbolic meaning. Chinese people consume pomelos during the Lunar New Year to ensure a happy fresh beginning. Pomelos are believed to represent family reunions in China because they are in season around the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Pomegranate
A fresh pomegranate, Image Source: Pexels
Pomegranates are noted for their many seeds when opened. And these numerous seeds have come to stand for fertility when translated into Chinese auspicious phrases. These are common fruits given to newlyweds to help them have more children. Also noteworthy is the fact that Buddha is frequently shown holding pomegranates. Pomegranates also have other metaphorical meanings related to their vivid red colours, such as longevity and fortune.
Cherries
Bunch of cherries, Image Source: Pexels
Cherries ripen around the time of Chinese New Year. Cherries have evolved into a success and status icon in China throughout time. Its intense red hue also stands for joy and love. Cherries are the ideal fruit to share with your loved ones when you get together and wish each other well.
Apples
Because apples sound the same as the word for "peace" (ping) when spoken in Cantonese, they symbolise harmony and tranquilly. Security is increased in direct proportion to apple consumption. When visiting houses over this festival, apples are often displayed on plates. Red apples represent prosperity and abundance, whereas green apples stand for money.
On this Chinese New Year, try having these fruits and gift them too. They will bring good luck, health and prosperity.
