RED is the auspicious colour for the Chinese, thus all items of decorations for the Chinese or Lunar New Year are bearing the colour of RED! To name a few - lanterns of all shapes & sizes, banners, fake fire crackers (with or without lights), red lighting bulbs and many more.
Flowers and fruits are also commonly used as decorations in Chinese homes during this festive season and each have its own meanings.
The Peach Blossom or Taohua is a standard decoration for the CNY. The peach, an emblem of longevity, is of paramount importance in Chinese culture and is one of the most popular motifs found in Chinese art. It is the symbol of the venerable God of Longevity.
My home Peach Blossom or Taohua decoration
Mandarin oranges is a must in every homes as they are considered auspicious fruits and are important fruits for the New Year. All Chinese families will put piles of oranges in baskets in their homes as it stands for dai gut lai see "good fortune & good business". The Chinese believe it is important to have at lease one pomelo in the house for decoration, or better still, to have a pair, since good things always comes in pairs. To use a pomelo to decorate one's home during the new year implies a wish that the home will have everything it needs the coming year.
Our home oranges decorations (2008 CNY) & Pomelo decoration (2009 CNY)
Another favourite plant of the Chinese is 'Pussy Willow'. Since the Chinese like numerous blossoms on a branch, the many buds of the willow make it a favourite flower for CNY. The fluffy white blossoms of the pussy willow resemble silk, and they soon give forth young shoots the color of green jade. Chinese enjoy such signs of growth, which represent the coming of prosperity.
Choulyee & Karen with our home decorated 'Pussy Willow' during the 2005 CNY
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