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January 24, 2025 | 10:28 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The vibrant sight of mandarin oranges in Chinese New Year is a feast for the senses. Combined with all things red in the decorations, the reddish-golden hue of the fruit never fails to steal the spotlight from young children and adults alike.
As with many long-standing Chinese traditions, mandarin oranges play an important role in Chinese households during the Lunar New Year. Not only is it used to satisfy hunger, but the sweet, peelable fruit is also used to bring good luck for the coming year.
Let's take a closer look at the mandarin orange in Chinese New Year, including its history, symbolism, and other related details, as compiled from S&J Mandarin Grove, Time, and The Strait Times.
The History of Mandarin Orange in Chinese New Year
Dating back to the Qin Dynasty, the mandarin orange has a long history in Chinese New Year. In the past, Chinese parents would gather several fruits, including mandarins, dates, persimmons, and lychees, along with money in red envelopes, next to their sleeping children's pillows to ward off bad omens or folk monsters. These fruits would then be the first thing they would eat when they woke up on the morning of Chinese New Year.
Originally introduced to the West from China in the 19th century, the word "Mandarin" was a reference to Chinese government officials, according to the National Library Board's Singapore Infopedia.
Also known as "loose-skin" and "kid-gloves" oranges to some demographics, mandarin oranges can now be found in the East Indies, India, Japan, Australia, and most tropical, subtropical parts of the world.
The Symbolism of Mandarin Orange in Chinese New Year
Similar to red envelopes, the inclusion of mandarin orange in Chinese New Year is due to its historical significance. As the shape of a small citrus fruit resembles the sun, the mandarin orange in Chinese New Year is a manifestation of the hopeful wish to gain abundance and happiness.
In Cantonese, the gift of mandarin oranges is called "song gam," which sounds the same as "giving gold. That's why giving the fruit during the Lunar New Year can also mean wishing the recipients prosperity and wealth.
When it comes to giving mandarin oranges at Chinese New Year gatherings, it's not recommended to give the fruit in odd numbers. This is because a famous Mandarin proverb says "hao shi cheng shuang" or "good things come in pairs".
Mandarin Orange in Chinese New Year Traditions
Depending on the country or region, there are many different traditions related to mandarin orange in Chinese New Year as follows:
1. Southern China and Southeast Asia
In the area of Southern China and Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, mandarin oranges are exchanged like red envelopes as an act of good wishes to the recipients.
2. Japan
Mandarin oranges are typically placed on a mirror rice cake, also known as Kagami mochi, during the Lunar New Year. When toppling the pair of stacked round rice cakes, the Japanese usually use either the daidai or mikan versions of mandarin oranges.
3. South Korea
Although there is no Lunar New Year tradition associated with the small citrus fruit, South Koreans generally consider mandarins to be luxurious fruits purchased as gifts throughout the year.
Mandarin oranges in Chinese New Year are more than just a festive fruit, they are a symbol of hope, prosperity, and good fortune that has been cherished for centuries. For a similar inspiration, head to the explanation behind the Lunar New Year Colors here.
Editor's Choice: Traditions Before Chinese New Year: How Chinese Families Prepare
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