Many of us have already bid a warm welcome to the new year, 2010. However, for the Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese and other ethnic populations, the real new year has yet to begin. According to the lunar calendar, the new year doesn’t start on January 1. Rather, it changes annually. This time, the first day of the new year is February 14 (the same day as Valentine’s Day).
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is an important holiday, much like January 1 is for those following the solar calendar, and flowers play an important part in all festivities. Chinese New Year flowers symbolize the beauty and vitality of nature, are an expression of good faith for the future and represent rebirth. Cut flowers and plants (in particular, plants that bloom since they lead to the production of fruit and thus represent prosperity) are purchased in abundance to decorate the home, creating a festive atmosphere that is reminiscent of warm spring days that are soon to come.
Popular Chinese New Year flowers and plants
Plum blossoms: One of the first fruit trees to bloom in the season are plums and many welcome them as a sign of perseverance through hardship.
Bamboo: Strength and flexibility – bamboo symbolizes traits that are admired.
Golden kumquat: A symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Azalea: This frilly bloom represents harmony.
Chrysanthemums: Symbolizing three traits, perfection, optimism and joy, chrysanthemums are highly prized for this holiday. They are also linked with royalty.
To all those celebrating the Chinese New Year, best wishes for the Year of the Tiger!
