Read and acquaint yourself
with some of the popular Chinese New Year symbols:
Duilian
 If
you are a Chinese or have visited China, you must be familiar with the "Duilian"?
Duilian are generally two long, vertical red strips placed parallel to
one another on each side of a door, with poetic and traditional Chinese
sayings written on them. The Duilian sayings wish good fortune and
represent the wishes and expectations that Chinese people have from the
new year. Traditionally, Duilians contains good luck phrases like Wan
Shi Ru Yi (May everything be as you wish) or “Da Zhan Hong Tu” (May you
achieve your great plan) or “Sheng Yi Xing Long” (May your business be
prosperous).
Though the Duilian seems to be a simple holiday decoration, it is
actually one of the most important and revered Chinese New Year symbols.
People in China commonly believe that duilians bring good fortune
throughout the year. Many of them write their own duilian every year.
Fish
 The fish is considered to be a lucky Chinese New Year symbol and is the
most popular dish served during the occassion. A whole fish is served on
Chinese New Year’s eve for the reunion dinner. Usually the fish is
steamed. It is a good omen to leave the bones and head and tail intact.
This symbolizes abundance and a good beginning and end in the new year.
The Yule Log
The Yule Log is an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations
and a lucky symbol of the festival. It is actually a log piece decorated
beautifully with soft, red ribbons and glitter added to it for that
extra zing. Thus adorned, the log is dragged to the fireplace.
Traditionally, the Yule Log should burn for one whole night, smolder for
twelve days (signifying the twelve months) and then be put out
ceremonially in a regal manner. Burning the Yule Log is an indispensable
custom for the Chinese New Year. It symbolizes the light coming back to
conquer darkness.
The Water Narcissus Flower
 Flowers
are an important part of the Chinese New Year decorations. The two
flowers most associated with the New Year are the plum blossom and the
water narcissus. The water narcissus is considered to be very auspicious
by the Chinese and also people around the world. This beautiful white
flower which blossoms during the time of New Year symbolizes good luck
and prosperity. The blossoming of the Water Narcissus exactly on the New
Year day is believed to indicate good fortune for the ensuing twelve
months. The Chinese people decorate their homes with this flower and
wait in anticipation of its blossoming, which they believe shall bring
them good luck for the entire year and bless them with prosperity.
Plum Blossoms
 Another
decorative item for the Chinese New Year celebrations, the plum blossom
is another major symbol for the festival. The plum blossoms burst forth
at the end of winter on seemingly lifeless branches. They stand for
courage and hope. In Chinese art, plum blossoms are associated with the
entire winter season and not just the New Year.
The RED Colour
The red colour is an auspicious one in China and stands for life and
prosperity. Thus it is used in celebrations in China. During festivals,
most of the decorations around Chinese homes is usually in red color.
The "Duilian" - one of the prominent decorative items and another major
symbol for the occassion is generally of red colur. Also, while
presenting someone with flowers, red is the colour that everyone goes
for.
Tray of Togetherness
The chuen-hop, or "tray of togetherness" is a tray full of dried fruits,
sweets, and candies. Many Chinese families keep this tray to welcome
guests and relatives who drop by. Traditionally, the tray is made up of
eight compartments, each of which is filled with special food items.
Each of thee food items has a special significance to the New Year
season. According to a very old Chinese belief, such a tray was kept by
families in the times bygone which they used to offer to all guests and
well wishers who visited during the New Year. Even today, this tradition
is kept alive in many Chinese homes. It symbolizes the unity and harmony
within the members of a family.
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