By Joseph Steele.
As the Lunar New Year is ushered in and the Year of the Dragon unfurls its red and gold extravagance, there's one element that sparkles quietly but significantly amid this cultural symphony - fruit. More than table adornments or palate cleansers, their importance is steeped in their symbolism - each one a vibrant note in the grand orchestra of festivities.
Imagine stepping into a Lunar New Year celebration - the air fragrant with rich cuisines, laughter echoing and amidst it all and fruit of various hues catching your eye. Each, exceptional in its kind, is a feast for the senses but also one that bears with it the wishes and hopes for the year ahead.
A staple in each Lunar New Year celebration is the orange. This lovely citrus is more than its zesty taste and vibrant colour - synonymous with prosperity and good fortune, its golden hue is the very colour of wealth in Chinese culture. Often presented in pairs, symbolising a doubling of luck, oranges are a common gift when visiting family and friends during the festivities.
Then there's that larger-than-life citrus, pomelo - this fruit is a symbol of abundance and affluence. Its Chinese name reflects the verb 'to have', the pomelo is believed to be the bringer of continuous prosperity and status elevation. It’s not uncommon to see pomelos gracing altars as an offering made to deities and ancestors in a ritual practice that shows respect intertwined with hope.
As far as Lunar New Year fruit goes, the apple holds a special place. The word for apple in Mandarin, ‘ping’, echoes the word for peace. It's a discreet yet poignant reminder of the universal yearning for harmony and tranquillity in the year ahead. Often beautifully packaged, they are exchanged as tokens of peace and good health.
The most visually striking, though, are perhaps the kumquats - these tiny golden orbs signify great wealth and prosperity. In Cantonese, their name translates to 'gold orange', making them a popular choice for those seeking to invite both financial and physical well-being. Often, they are displayed on small decorative trees in homes, a miniaturised yet potent symbol of a fruitful and prosperous year.
Flamboyant in appearance, the dragon fruit also plays a role in New Year celebrations. Its vibrant colours and unique look symbolise the bringing of good luck and it is often used in fruit baskets given as gifts.
Not to forget grapes, pomegranates and peaches. Each of these fruit, with their abundance of seeds, is a representation of longevity in folklore, bringing layers or meaning to the celebrations – whether it’s the wish for fertility, longevity, or the sheer overflowing of blessings.
As fireworks light the sky and the glow of the new moon heralds anew these fruit, in their silent, vibrant presence, remind us of the sweetness of tradition. May the coming of the new year bring a time filled with the juiciest of joys and sweetest of successes.
