Gold is the Symbol (4 min max)
Gold is the standard of value that is tangible and legitimate! For the Chinese New Year, gold is symbolised by the mandarin oranges that are grown in most parts of Asia. If you are unfamiliar as to why the Chinese buy mandarin oranges for the spring festival, please read on.
The mandarin orange is an important symbol of the spring festival as it a symbol of goodness as well as gold. This humble fruit is packaged in the lunar new year festive style as it is often given as gifts, bought for one's home or for offerings to the gods. You will often find them in auspicious numbers that end with "8" in boxed packaging or festive hampers from the supermarkets or any grocers.
The same pronunciation of "kam" in Cantonese means gold in the same dialect too. As mandarin oranges are bright, they are symbols of good luck, wealth and happiness. Thus, mandarin oranges are exchanged as gifts during the spring festival. To me, they are also good sources of orange juice with laden Vitamin C.
It is a good manners and customary to bring along at least two mandarin oranges (estimated to be of the same size for both oranges) when one visits family, relatives and friends during this festive season especially for juniors. When a junior visits a senior at his/her home, it is seen as rude if the junior goes there empty-handed.
When mandarin oranges are exchanged, one will wish each other well using appropriate festive verses.
You can wish the other:
1. Happy New Year! （新年快了!) - Generally applicable to anyone
2. Wish you good health, wealth and everything smooth going! (祝福你身体健康，发大财， 万事如意!）- Applicable if you know that some one better or someone close, you have more things to say
3. Wish you young and beautiful! (祝你青春美丽!）- Applicable to ladies
4. Wish you get rich/become wealthy/get prosperous! -( 祝你发大财 ！) Applicable to men or anyone who wants to get rich.
The list goes on.
Just say nice things and enjoy the spring festival with the festive feasting and bonding. The lunar new year comes only once and is the best time to say the nicest things and get the good luck.
As for me, I will be going to shop for my "gold".
OXOX
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