3 Ways to Incorporate Red for Lunar New Year
Many of us who are remotely familiar with Chinese culture know just how important the colour red is. It’s the colour of choice for many celebrations, from weddings, family gatherings, and even Lunar New Year. And for good reason — in Chinese culture, red is synonymous with good luck, prosperity, happiness, and warmth.
● Fun fact: there are so many stories and theories about why red is such an important colour in Chinese culture, but two of the most famous ones are the legend of the nián shòu 年兽 and the founding of the Han Dynasty by Emperor Gaozu who was said to be the descendent of the Red Emperor, an ancient deity-like ruler.
With Lunar New Year just around the corner, we want to spotlight a few ways to incorporate the colour red in your Lunar New Year celebrations. Keep on reading to find out!
1. Red Mahjong Table
Playing mahjong is THE activity to do during Lunar New Year. It’s not only fun, but it’s a good way to bond with older relatives and friends and even younger ones. Mahjong tables typically come in green, but during Lunar New Year, many families love using red mahjong tables to amp up the festive mood and good luck.
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2. Red Plants
This Lunar New Year, skip the obvious choice of lucky bamboo and money plants and instead opt for minimalist arrangements with Cape Jasmine Fruit.
For a tropical touch, we also love Anthurium/Flamingo Lily and Ginger Flower.
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3. Red Gift Boxes
Wish your colleagues, friends, and families plenty of prosperity and luck by wrapping their Lunar New Year gifts with red gift boxes.
Chopsticks and bowls are also popular gifts, especially for newlyweds, as they also imply that the couple will live a happy, stable marriage life.
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What is “Chinese Red” to You?
Lilian (30, entrepreneur):
To me, Chinese red is the red of hot pot. Hotpot is not only a delicious food, but also contains the connotation of food culture. Men, women, children, relatives and friends around the hot pot, filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere, in China are suitable for family reunion of this kind of Traditional Chinese culture.
Lilian (30, entrepreneur):
To me, Chinese red is the red of hot pot. Hotpot is not only a delicious food, but also contains the connotation of food culture. Men, women, children, relatives and friends around the hot pot, filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere, in China are suitable for family reunion of this kind of Traditional Chinese culture.
Quanbo (29, Manager): Chinese Red is Xi(囍). It's a feeling of happiness. Because traditional Chinese weddings are all about Chinese red.
Hong (54years old，officer): Chinese red is booming, is a good New Year's vision. About career, about life, about health. Chinese red gives people a vision of the future
