Meaningful plants for Chinese New Year. Photo Credit Becoming Carmen
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Lucky bamboo for a prosperous and fortune-filled year
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Orchids bring wealth, and abundance and symbolised fertility
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Money tree to invite luck and fortune
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Jade plant brings all year round of good vibes
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Flamingo Lily is dedicated to those looking for luck in their relationship
Growing up in a multicultural family, I was fortunate to have been exposed to different cultures, including celebrating various festive seasons such as Chinese New Year. The joy of celebrating Chinese New Year as a kid was receiving Ang Pau. It used to be a competition between cousins; whoever got the most money, wins. As I grew older, I was interested to learn more about festive seasons; it’s always more than meets the eye.
One of the many things I learned was that the Chinese New Year was also known as the Spring Festival. Then it dawned on me that my cousin’s side of the family would always decorate their house with gorgeous flowers. Yes, flowers are not only for Valentine’s Day. However, these flowers are not merely to beautify the household but have specific meanings.
1/ Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo brings fortune and prosperity. Source ThePracticalPlanter
Being young and naïve, I would always equate bamboo with Pandas. Which is a fair point, right? Or I had been watching way too many episodes of Ranma ½, my favourite anime growing up. Before I got sidetracked by anime, the most astonishing fact that I learned was lucky bamboo is actually NOT a bamboo! Yes, you heard that right! It is a type of tropical water lily #mindblown. Fit to be called lucky, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity. The number of stalks also represents a different meaning. For example, two stalks represent love! Here’s an article by Shivangi Singh that explains the representations of Lucky Bamboo stalks.
While writing this article, I found out that the stem can bend into various shapes depending on the location of the light source! Isn’t that amazing? On the surface, they are nothing more than just plants, but if you really think about it, there is a lesson that we can learn from here. In life, we should be flexible as we grow. Flexibility shapes our life beautifully. Ok, that’s poetic. Move of to the second plant before I get too philosophical.
2/ Orchids
Beauty with deep meaning. Photo credit TheSill
My grandma’s favourite flowers, the ever-delicate and beautiful orchids. Pots after pot of orchids were planted in the garden, and I never knew that all this potted beauty symbolized something meaningful. It was during one of those unexpected moments that I understood the meaning of orchids in Chinese culture. Being a curious child had its perks. My grandma told me while she was curating a floral arrangement that orchids symbolize wealth, fertility and abundance. From that day onwards, I started asking more questions about flowers. It was one of those moments that I truly appreciate in life as not only I gained extra knowledge, but I understood my grandma and her love for flowers. Another interesting fact that I learned is that orchids can grow on trees. Now, *putting on my philosophical hat*, that taps into orchid’s adaptability. I personally think being adaptable in any situation is crucial as it expends your ability to handle change.
3/ Money Tree
Money tree for financial success. Photo Credit NatureofHome
Ka-ching, ka-ching! If you can’t already tell by the name, the Money tree signifies wealth and prosperity. Although, I was baffled when I heard the name for the first time. It doesn’t look like money, so why do you call it a money tree? Does it make out of money, or do you make money from that leaf? With the help of the internet, I found out the story behind the money tree. It was foretold that a poor man prayed for money and found the plant. He took it home and started to make money by selling the seed. If you didn’t know, you’re most welcome! So, if you want a good financial fortune, put a money plant on your office desk. It is said to attract financial success all year long!
4/ Jade Plant
Have you seen a jade plant before? If your answer is no, then you’re probably missing out! According to the Chinese culture, this plant is believed to bring good fortune and wealth. That sounds incredible innit? I don’t have green fingers ( I “killed” my money tree is 2019, although in my defence, I left it in my office when they announced lockdown, i didn’t know that it will last for more than 6 months), but this succulent requires minimal care. Good feng shui and minimal care, if you want…as the youngsters say these days…THE GOOD VIBE, put this green beauty on your office desk or home. You never know, it might be your best investment ever!
5/ Flamingo Lily
Brings luck to your relationship. Photo credit rhsplants
What is not to love about the flamingo lily? Vibrant red and heart-shaped flowers, it’s an attention magnet. Listen up!, if you’re looking for love, then this one might be THE FLOWER you need in your room, your house, your car or wherever you want it to be. Flamingo lily is said to attract good luck, especially in relationships! This might be your solution to “when are you going to get married”? Just kidding! There’s nothing wrong with being an independent man or woman. Don’t succumb to pressure #loveyourselfmore. However, if you are currently in a relationship, Flamingo Lily could be a good substitute for roses. It’s hard to get roses during Valentine’s, plus they are super duper duper expensive #notexaggerating. So, perhaps something new will spark the relationship.
Share with us the beautiful findings about your culture! We love to get to know you more!
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