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. oranges are given during Lunar New Year, a tradition 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. 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. Why do we eat mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year? Oranges and Other Citrus [] Alternatively, the translation of the word in the Mandarin dialect also relates to oranges being particularly prosperous for Chinese New Year Wittingly intertwining words once again, the term typically used for mandarin orange, júzi (橘子), bears a striking resemblance to the same word for gold , jīnzi ((金子). Illustrations of mandarin oranges may even replace the first character on fai chun sheets (fai 1 ceon 1 揮春), which are decorations pasted on and around doorways during the Chinese New Year period. It’s also traditional for older generations to give mandarin oranges to children, and for families and friends to bring them to each other’s 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)! Soon the aromatic scent and sweet flavor of mandarin oranges became associated Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. Hence, to exchange mandarin oranges with family and loved ones signifies a form of respect between both parties. Besides the familiar Lukan and Ponkan mandarins, they are other uncommon varieties available during the Chinese New Year festive season only. Here’s how to differentiate the popular mandarin orange varieties. 6 most popular types SINGAPORE - A hallmark of Chinese New Year, the sight of mandarin oranges each year signals that the festive season has officially begun. In Cantonese, to gift mandarin oranges is to “song 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. It is a tradition to bring along two mandarin oranges for visiting during the Chinese New Year as the fruit in mandarin is ‘橘’, which sounds like ‘吉’, meaning ‘auspicious’. So you wish everyone ‘ 大吉大利’ (auspicious and prosperous) for the new year when you present them with the two fruits and 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 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 . Introduction to CNY Mandarin Oranges Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, and mandarin oranges are an important part of the festivities. These small, sweet fruits are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and are often exchanged as gifts during the Lunar New Year. Significance of Mandarin Oranges in Chinese New Year Mandarin 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 recipie 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. 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 ). Mandarins are important during Chinese New Year for several reasons. Many mandarin types are at their seasonal best between mid-winter and mid-spring, when the New Year falls. Their round shape and golden colour are also considered auspicious, symbolising wealth and good fortune; and they are conveniently sized for giving and eating. 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. So, if you’d like to ensure the new year is prosperous, find yourself a mandarin orange or kumquat tree. Or, a bowl of pretty mandarins will do as well. (We also eat mandarin oranges for Japanese New Year.) Kung Hei Fat Choy! See also: About Chinese New Year red envelopes (hong bao or lai see)
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