Reunion dinners, ang pows, and relatives — some of whom you only get to see once a year — are all part of this time of the Chinese New Year (CNY) again. Although red may be the colour most commonly associated with this new year, when it comes to fruits, the star has always been orange in colour.
Why are oranges so sought-after during the CNY? Is there more to this connection than just its name? Unsurprisingly, there’s a deeper meaning as to why the Chinese favour this fruit among others.
According to time.com, oranges are symbolic of good luck and wealth and are thought to bring happiness and prosperity. In Chinese tradition, the word for orange sounds similar to the word for “good luck” or “wealth”, which is why they are often given as gifts during CNY.
Originally cultivated in China and Japan, mandarin oranges are now grown in countries such as Brazil and Spain. There are 11 types available, with the more popular varieties being the lukan (milder flavour with rough, loose skin), ponkan (plump with a juicy texture and sweet, tangy taste), and tangerine (less acidic with glossy, rough skin).
Usually, they are exchanged in pairs — even numbers are generally thought to be auspicious, while odd numbers are frowned upon — among relatives as an act of well-wishing. Those with stems and leaves still attached carry the extra symbolism of longevity and fertility.
Linkedin.com, in one of its articles, noted that oranges are an outgoing and social feng shui colour. It is often used to boost connection, creativity, and conversation.
Since shades of orange (that are close to red) represent the Feng Shui fire element, they can be used to power up a space located in the fame, reputation, or love areas of one’s home.
On top of that, orange is an especially helpful colour for people who are recovering from depression or abuse because of its healing, invigorating, and motivating qualities.
Oranges are an impressive fruit, containing a list of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for overall wellbeing.
The National University of Singapore stated on its website that, eaten whole or in juice form, orange contains enough vitamin C — 40 milligrammes (mg) from a small orange — to meet the recommended daily intake of 30mg.
Oranges are also relatively low in calories — a small fruit contains 45 calories with no cholesterol or sodium. Each orange contains more than 170 phytochemicals (biologically active compounds with disease-preventive properties) and over 60 flavonoids (plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties).
Among the benefits of this “fruit of wealth” are controlling blood sugar, protecting the skin, promoting eye health, boosting the immune system, relieving constipation, reducing the risk of stroke, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy heart.
But always remember to consume a moderate amount of them, as an overload of oranges can put you at risk of pain from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.
Mandarin oranges are a simple way of showing your appreciation to the people you love. To wish them happiness, just as they have brought happiness to you.
While exchanging gifts is a good practice, the predominant point of CNY has always been to spend quality time with the people you love — to meet, to catch up, and to enjoy each other’s presence.
In light of this festive season, I take this opportunity to ask some Chinese individuals about why oranges are so significant during the new year. These are their responses:
Datuk Richard Wee, Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak president
Orange is called 大桔 in Chinese, which translates to abundance of luck and prosperity. Hence, they had been used to exchange well wishes.
In recent years, pineapples have also been used as part of the CNY celebration by the Hokkien community. The Hokkien word for pineapple is “ong lai”, which literally means “luck comes” (for example, plenty of luck).
Oranges are a must when exchanging gifts or hampers during CNY, yet there are no specific customs or traditions around their distribution.
The Chinese usually buy the oranges that are traditionally imported from the Fujian or Guangdong provinces, as they are usually the best producers of oranges.
Chin Kah Joo, TVS news anchor
Because the phonology of oranges is a homophony of auspiciousness, they are one of the fruits that signify prosperity or wealth in our culture.
Oranges are commonly seen throughout several significant Chinese festivals and celebrations, particularly around the Lunar New Year.
Mandarin oranges are also displayed by Chinese people as a sign that the coming year will bring them greater luck and good things. They can also be presented as gifts to people you wish well.
Chinese people commonly give a box of mandarin oranges, or a pair of them, when gift-giving or exchanging. They are usually the lukan, ponkan, and small tangerine varieties.
Pikha, entrepreneur
Mandarin oranges have always been considered a traditional symbol of good fortune. Oranges mean good luck in Mandarin (大吉大利 — da ji da li).
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.
Chinese usually give oranges in even numbers (two, four, six, and others), which means good things will happen twice. If one receives oranges from others, they must give or return them as feedback with another set of oranges.
Normally, we buy oranges that come from Taiwan and China, like ponkan.
Cynthia Jee, private sector employee
Mandarin oranges hold significant symbolism in Chinese culture, especially during CNY. In Mandarin, the word for orange sounds similar to the word for luck or wealth, so they are considered auspicious symbols of good fortune and prosperity.
During CNY, mandarin oranges are often exchanged as gifts to wish friends and family a prosperous year ahead. They are typically given in pairs, representing the idea of doubling one’s luck and wealth.
It’s also common for families to display mandarin oranges in their homes as decorations during the New Year to attract good luck.
