Oranges and tangerines are a must for the New Year! In Chinese culture, the word for tangerine, “kam,” sounds like the word for “luck.” And their round, golden shape? It’s the perfect symbol for wealth and abundance! That’s why they’re given as gifts or used as decorations to bring success and happiness in the new year. 3. The Chinese love citrus fruits as much as they love word play, puns and especially homonyms—words that sound like other words. Because the Chinese word for tangerine sounds like "luck" and the word for orange sounds like "wealth," the fruits are prized both for table display and gift giving during Chinese New Year. Workers loading pots of tangerines—a type of mandarins—from a truck in a flower farm for Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, Jan. 22, 2003. price hikes during Lunar New Year, when the fruit 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 China, Minneola tangerines are thought to symbolize luck during the Lunar New Year. Plus, their vibrant orange peels are associated with happiness and good fortune. They’re often placed around the home, as well as given as gifts in decorative bags. Oranges . Oranges with their bright gold color symbolize happiness and wealth in the New Year. 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. As they mark the beginning of a new lunar year, families and shopkeepers across Hong Kong buy pots of these oranges for Overflowing piles of oranges, tangerines and kumquats in street markets and homes epitomise Lunar New Year in Hong Kong. In Cantonese, the common tangerine or mandarin orange ( Citrus reticulata Red Beauty aka “Hong Mei Ren” A hybrid of “oranges and tangerines”, Red Beauty, or “Hong Mei Ren,” has gained popularity in recent years. This fragrant and juicy pomelo-like variant from China is not overtly sweet (comparable to Lukan taste-wise), making it an ideal snack to cut through the grease after having an indulgent reunion dinner feast. Buying oranges. The Chinese word for tangerine sounds like "luck," and the word for orange sounds like "wealth," so the fruits are prized for table display and gift-giving during Chinese new year. 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. Tangerines and Oranges Bring Good Luck and Wealth. Tangerines and oranges are two auspicious Chinese New Year symbols that are very visible during the festival. Two of the most common food symbols of the Chinese New Year are tangerines and oranges. Whereas tangerines represent wealth, oranges are a popular symbol of good luck.The associations come from a similarity between the Chinese words for tangerine and gold, as well as a resemblance between the words orange and good luck. 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.” The gold color of these fruits also symbolizes prosperity. Why do we give oranges on Chinese Read More »Do You Give Tangerines and oranges are popular fruits during Chinese New Year due to their symbolic meanings. In Chinese, the word for tangerine (橘 jú) sounds similar to the word for luck (吉 jí), while orange (橙 chéng) sounds like success (成 chéng). Having some lucky Chinese New Year foods is an easy way for you, no matter for some Chinese dishes, snacks or fruits. Speaking of Chinese New Year lucky fruits, you can either share with your families, or give your friends as Chinese New Year gifts. Here we have to mention the 7 lucky fruits for Chinese New Year, pick what you like and Oranges are a popular fruit during Chinese New Year and other festive occasions, as their round shape and bright orange color are symbols of good luck, wealth, and happiness. The Chinese word for orange, 橙 (chéng), sounds similar to the word for “success” (成 chéng), so eating oranges during the New Year is believed to bring good luck It may well be just superstition, but the Chinese believe that tangerines and oranges are auspicious symbols of a better year ahead. The words for tangerine and orange in Chinese resemble the Cherries represent success (© Peppersmint via Canva) In preparation for the Lunar New Year celebrations, remember to pick up a batch of cherries to top off your holiday.. Similar to pomelos, cherries ripen just in time for Chinese New Year and have become an in-demand fruit during this particular time when large shipments are imported from countries, like Chile and Austra chinese new year 2025 brainpop chinese new year oranges and tangerines are believed to be symbols of. The Lunar New Year 2025, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, starts on January 29, aligning with the first New Moon of the lunisolar calendar. Good Fortune Fruit — Fullness and Wealth. Certain fruits are eaten during the Chinese New Year period, such as tangerines and oranges, and pomeloes. They are selected as they are particularly round and “golden” in color, symbolizing fullness and wealth, but more obviously for the lucky sound they bring when spoken. What should you not Read More »Can You Eat Chinese New Year Oranges?
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |