Auspicious plants to welcome the Year of the Rooster
THE 15-day Chinese New Year celebration is a meaningful time of family reunions.
Just a week from now, we will celebrate the Year of the Rooster. Flowers are always popular as they are symbols of life and good fortune. During the weeks leading up to the new year, flower markets and shops have been flooded with bouquets, pots and arrangements of flowers in limitless colours and shades.
There has definitely been an abundance of fresh auspicious flowers such as narcissus, chrysanthemums, orchids, snapdragons, peach blossoms and fruits such as oranges and tangerines at various garden centres, markets and shops. Symbolism
The Lunar New Year is an exhilarating, joyous and colourful occasion. The various fruits and flowers all have symbolic meanings.
Delicate and elegant orchids are considered symbolic of fertility and abundance. Orchids also signify refinement, luxury, innocence and purity.
Peach blossoms are bright and beautiful flowers that are considered sacred. The fruits actually represent longevity, while the flowers symbolise romance, prosperity and growth. Plum blossoms represent endurance, perseverance and courage.
Beautiful peonies are flowers of richness, peace and honour. Red peonies are auspicious as they are also associated with feminine beauty and charm. Bountiful fortune and growth are signified by pussy willow flowers that are also very popular during this festival.
The water fairy flower or narcissus is also unique and delicate as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. These most auspicious flowers will grow happily in a shallow dish of water and pebbles, looking and smelling divine.
Despite the rising cost of imported fruits like oranges from countries such as China and Taiwan, the local Chinese community would still need oranges as they represent abundance and happiness. As oranges look like the sun and are aligned with the yang principle, they are essential for abundance and happiness.
Pomelos with green leaves or an unripe green colour are said to represent family unity and good luck for the household that displays them. That’s probably why they often are used in pairs.
Kumquats, grapes and jujubes are also essential as they are said to represent good luck and prosperity.
Red is considered to be the colour of joy, symbolising virtue, truth and sincerity. The colour is also said to have the ‘power’ to scare away evil spirits or bad fortune. As such, the giving of angpows is seen as a form of blessing for the new year.
Likewise, the colour gold is also a favourite as it naturally symbolises fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. Auspicious selections
Lucky bamboo – bent and twisted bamboo in various shapes symbolise strength. Normally they are sold as single stems for around RM5 each. When assembled as a pot and tied with red ribbons, they make for good decorative pieces that need little attention. The main thing is to ensure that there is always some water in the pot for good growth. As such they are ideal for use indoors.
Kalanchoes – this delightful flowering plant with clusters of colourful blooms are said to bring wealth and prosperity. The variety with succulent red flowers grown in clusters are ideal for festive decorations. It is suitable for indoor use without any direct sunlight. The plant actually only needs watering once a week. As long as the medium is kept damp, the plant should thrive and reward the gardener with bright flowers.
Jade plant – this South African beauty is also known as Crassula. It has emerald green leaves that resemble little jade gems. As such the plant is a symbol of prosperity, wealth and fortune. Again this is actually a very easy to maintain plant as it requires just a little moisture. Place the pot in a comfortable semi-shaded area.
Hopefully I have given you some ideas to decorate your home with living plants that are full of symbolism for the new year. Wishing all readers a happy and prosperous Year of the Rooster.
For further information or if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, do send me an email. Happy gardening.