Why do we eat mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year? Oranges and Other Citrus Oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos are common Chinese New Year gifts because they’re believed to bring good luck and happiness. The Chinese words for “orange” and “tangerine” closely resemble the words for “luck” and “wealth.” In southern China, oranges are given during Lunar New Year, a tradition that has since spread to Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia with large ethnic Chinese The Symbolism of Mandarin Orange in Chinese New Year . Similar to red envelopes, the inclusion of mandarin orange in Chinese New Year is due to its historical significance. As the shape of a small citrus fruit resembles the sun, the mandarin orange in Chinese New Year is a manifestation of the hopeful wish to gain abundance and happiness. As Hong Kong strides into a new lunar year, the city fills up with mandarin oranges. Smaller and less round than other varieties of oranges, Citrus reticulata are considered particularly auspicious for Chinese New Year. Putting a rest to the discourse once and for all — why are mandarin oranges used as key feature in the celebration of Chinese New Year? Just like plenty of other proverbial nuances denoted from the Chinese culture, the inclusion of oranges as a new year staple comes down to simple wordplay A traditional gift during Chinese New Year is the exchanging of a pair of mandarin oranges and the giving of red packet containing an even amount of money. Unmarried adults and children receive these red packets from married family members and friends in exchange of wishing them good health and fortune . The tradition of giving and displaying oranges during Chinese New Year has deep cultural significance. In Mandarin, the word for orange (chéng, 橙) sounds like chénggōng (成功), meaning success. In Cantonese, oranges are called kam (柑), which resembles the pronunciation of gold (jīn, 金). This phonetic connection makes oranges a Learn more about the fruit that is commonly exchanged during the holiday. Exchanging Mandarin oranges is a must during Chinese New Year. Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving Mandarin oranges is known as song gam in Cantonese. Mandarin oranges are essential for the Chinese New Year festivities. It’s a tradition for those who celebrate it to exchange a bright and fresh pair of this specific citrus. But what is the significance of this gesture, and what types of mandarins are best for the occasion? Read on to find out. Mandarin orange prices can range widely based on their variety. The CNN reported in 2020 about a crate of just 100 Japanese mikan mandarins which sold for 1 million yen (S$8,733) at an auction in For best results, use small mandarin oranges, which tend to be sweeter and are also seedless. (Freepik pic) Method. For the syrup. In a saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Exchanging Mandarin oranges is a must during Chinese New Year. Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving mandarin oranges is known as “song gam” in Cantonese. Coincidentally, it also means “giving gold”, which the luck-obsessed Chinese have used as a symbol of conferring prosperity and well wishes to the recipient. Each year, Tian Tian releases beautiful packaging for their mandarin oranges to fit the Chinese New Year theme! You get to choose from boxes featuring money tree with gold ingots, heartwarming family reunion dinner and even the classic packagings with Chinese symbolisms “福“ (fortune) or vibrant flowers and cherry blossoms. These mandarins are 7 to 8cm across and plump. They are perhaps the most popular Chinese New Year mandarin orange as they combine a generous size with a succulent, juicy texture and a flavour that is sweet, vibrant and tangy. Yet, they are not so concentrated that you cannot eat a few at a time. The skin peels off easily. 2. Lukan When we lived in Hong Kong, I looked forward to the arrival of the big mandarin orange trees, some with red and gold envelopes hanging from branches, in the weeks before Chinese New Year. These gorgeous trees graced the doorways of the lobby entrance to our home at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and almost every major storefront or business how many oranges to give for Chinese new year? Oranges are a popular fruit among adults and children. They have a thin skin, thick flesh, and a sweet taste with lots of juice. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, carotene, and pectin, which aid digestion and are particularly suitable for relieving thirst during the Spring Festival. Also regarded as chap goh mei, the last night (15th day) of Chinese New Year is also regarded as Chinese Valentine’s Day8. This is where courtship and the possibility of romance hangs in the air. Mandarin oranges are sweet (酸酸甜甜; suān suān tián tián) — with a tinge of sourness— just like love (的爱情; dí ài qíng)! Mandarin oranges are Lunar New Year must-have gifts in Chinese tradition because it symbolises gold, wealth and good fortune. With Tian Tian mandarin oranges, you’re also sharing the taste of sweet riches just like their slogan “Sweeter & Richer, That’s Tian Tian (又甜又有钱)”! Originating from Southern China, the traditional act of giving someone mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year symbolises well-wishes and blessing one with prosperity. The descriptive phrase for this action in Cantonese also sounds like ‘giving gold’ ( hin gam ). Exchanging Mandarin oranges is a must during Chinese New Year. Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving mandarin oranges is known as “song gam” in Cantonese. Coincidentally, it also means “giving gold”, which the luck-obsessed Chinese have used as a symbol of conferring prosperity and well wishes to the recipient.
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