The Lunar New Year is a significant holiday not only in China but also in many other countries, including South Korea, where it is called Seollal, and Vietnam, where it is known as Tet, short for Tết Nguyên Đán. While the dates and traditions differ across cultures, the celebrations share common themes, such as honoring ancestors, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special foods to welcome the new year.
Here are a few symbolic fruits and vegetables believed to bring good luck and prosperity during Lunar New Year celebrations around the world:
Baby Bok Choy
Baby bok choy represents a few things. It can symbolize wealth and luck for the year as well as good fortune for the future. This small, green leafy vegetable can also represent longevity of life, especially for parents and elders. Baby bok choy can be found in stir fries and other sauce-forward dishes during this special time of year.
Daikon Radish
The daikon radish represents good fortune for the new year in both China and Korea. It can be found in numerous holiday recipes, such as pot roasts, salads, or in the traditional Chinese New Year dish, Turnip Cakes, which are actually made with daikon, not turnip!
Kumquats
One of the most popular gifts to give during the Korean Lunar New Year is a kumquat tree. Symbolizing good luck and prosperity, these small orange fruits are given by celebrants to their host and displayed for all visitors to see. They’re also typically included on the Vietnamese five-fruit tray.
Mandarins
The Chinese word for mandarin – “kam” – sounds similar to the word for “gold,” and therefore mandarins are believed to symbolize prosperity. Aside from eating mandarins, or decorating the home with small mandarin trees, they’re also often given as a gift alongside the red packets of money given to relatives and loved ones.
Oranges
Oranges, with their vibrant golden hue, represent happiness and prosperity during the New Year. In Vietnam, they are often featured on the traditional five-fruit tray, a beautifully arranged assortment of tropical and citrus fruits placed on the family altar to honor ancestors and bring good fortune for the year to come.
Ginger
Ginger symbolizes good health and longevity, and can be found in traditional Korean New Year beverages, desserts, and is often candied and included in the “Tray of Togetherness”.
Persimmons
Persimmons are a popular gift and decorative fruit during Lunar New Year celebrations in Asia. They are believed to bring good fortune, joy, and longevity. In Zen Buddhist tradition, a ripening persimmon symbolizes the journey from ignorance to wisdom.
Minneola Tangerines
In China, Minneola tangerines are thought to symbolize luck during the Lunar New Year. Plus, their vibrant orange peels are associated with happiness and good fortune. They’re often placed around the home, as well as given as gifts in decorative bags.
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