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 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. In southern China, oranges are given during Lunar New 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)! 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.” For the Chinese Lunar New Year, many people are eating foods that look like money, sound like good fortune and represent wholeness. Why it matters: "The Chinese believe that you have to have a 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. 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). 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 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. 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 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 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 . 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. Oranges, typically the t angerines (a specific type of mandarin orange), t he same fruit that many eat or drink the juice of in their mornings, holds a desired spot in Chinese New Year proceedings! This Cantonese tradition is another instance with a play of similar-sounding words. 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. 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 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. Why do people exchange mandarin oranges at Chinese New Year? Mandarin oranges have always been regarded as a symbol of good fortune , and it’s not just because of their auspicious hue. Originating from Southern China, the traditional act of giving someone mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year symbolises well-wishes and blessing one with 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. Why do we give 2 oranges during Chinese New Year? A traditional gift during Chinese New Year is the exchanging of a pair of mandarin oranges and the giving of red In 2025, the Chinese zodiac sign that Chinese Gender Predictor Q & A Chinese Name Bone Weight Astrology Chinese New Year 2025 Lucky Number Fan Tai Sui 2025 Psychological Tests Chinese Calendar 1965 February 02, 1965 - January 20, 1966 The Chinese Zodiac, or Sheng Xiao, operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a specific animal
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