Traditional Chinese New Year Symbols

By Jenny Hung

Chinese culture has a strong linkage with the process of symbolism. Out of the several aspects of Chinese culture that is involved in utility of symbols, one of the event is the Chinese New Year.

There are many symbols and rituals associated with the Chinese New Year, which by the way is not the 1st of January like it is for the rest of the world that follows the solar calendar. The wide ranges of symbols that are associated with the event of Chinese New Year have great cultural and historical significance in the eyes of the Japanese people.

The Chinese New Year symbols have an interesting and inspirational visual beauty of presenting profound meanings in the most splendid way possible. Their collection is considered to be a balanced art between form and function.

That the Chinese people are talented and artistic in their own unique way is reflected through these Chinese new year symbols that are chosen to be a proof. The meaning behind these symbols gives depth of the Chinese beliefs and traditions that are wonderful.

It's the right time now to discuss how different Chinese New Year is in comparison with the Western New Year. The most important difference is that the Western world follows the solar calendar where as the Chinese follow the lunar calendar traditionally.

The lunar calendar as the name refers is based upon the cycles of the moon. This is one of the reasons why you will find most of the calendars printed in China to display both the Gregorian as well as the Chinese lunar calendar dates. Such calendars make it easy for others to compare the dates and keep up to date with current trends.

The spirit is joyous and hope is for prosperity when the Chinese New Year arrives. This is why you will find the collection of Chinese New Year symbols to be very positive with regards to their meanings.

Flowers are the most well known symbol of the Chinese New Year. This was because the Chinese traditionally believed in making use of some natural product as they were more attracted towards them and hence the selection of flowers. The plum blossom and water narcissus are the two most popular flower symbols of the Chinese New Year.

One other important traditional symbol of the Chinese New Year is the hong-bao which is actually a lai-see envelope. This envelope carries money that children are given by the elders of a particular family on the eve of the New Year. This is accepted to be one of the Chinese New Year symbol.

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