As we approach Lunar New Year (February 17th this year), we're thinking about the ways we can wish our communities good luck and fortune in the upcoming year. For some, that might mean a new job promotion. For others, it might mean a new marriage or addition to a loving family. Whatever it may be, Lunar New Year gives us the opportunity to send a bright message as we gallop into the year of the horse.
Historically, the mandarin orange has been an important symbol of the Chinese New Year, acting as a golden gift to bring in luck in the coming year. Its bright color and round shape easily connect with the idea of happiness and abundance. For most of Chinese history, society was agrarian and life was precarious, so the symbolism of gold was less about accumulating wealth and more about wishing others a stable and safe life. In addition, Chinese is a highly homophonic language with fun wordplay, and the Chinese word for orange "橘"(Jú) sounds similar to the word for lucky "吉" (Jí), making it another reason why mandarin orange are associated with Lunar New Year.
After citruses were exported from Asia and cultivated abroad, Eastern and Western traditions merged and oranges became a bright symbol in many cultures - ranging from Christmas holiday gifts in Europe, the coastal sunshine in the U.S., to the continuity of generation after generation in Japan - ensuring that the orange remains a celebrated bright spot throughout the winter season.
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