The words association that brings to the Chinese mind, especially during Chinese New Year are prosperity, auspiciousness, abundance, wealth, good luck and good fortune!
Like the law of attraction, the more one focuses on the desired goals, the more likely they manifest them. What's the better way to surround oneself with things that one cherishes, like having pictures of loved ones around the home as well as the decorations associated with prosperity like the pineapple, “Ong Lai” in Hokkien and Cantonese, which literally means “fortune come”. Yellow is the color of the Chinese imperial. It represents power, royalty, and prosperity in Chinese culture.
Besides, orange represents the earth in Chinese cultures, like the metal element gold, which symbolizes wealth and riches. During Chinese New Year, mandarin oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos are given as gifts as the Chinese words for “mandarin orange” and “tangerine” closely resemble the words for “luck” and “wealth.” The gold color of these fruits also symbolizes prosperity.
Red has always been a popular color in Chinese culture. It represents auspiciousness, vitality, and fertility. which symbolizes luck, joy, and happiness. It also represents the summer season and the fire element, which brings to mind the associations of food and merrymaking.
In a contrast, darker colors like black and brown give a somber mood and it’s considered inauspicious to talk about death and dying in Chinese culture. Hence, the Chinese will not have the outfit in full black or dark color during CNY.
Overall, bright colors and loud noises of firecrackers and lion dances during Chinese New Year will not only bring in good fortunes but ward off negative energies and scare away evil spirits.
The bright colors can make one feel happy and alive. So, let’s paint the town red, orange and yellow to usher in an auspicious Chinese New Year.
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