Fruits
Oranges and tangerines are symbols for abundant happiness. The Cantonese word for tangerine, gut, sounds like good luck, while oranges, gum sound like gold. Tangerines with leaves intact assure that one’s relationship with the other remains secure. For newlyweds, this represents the branching of the couple into a family with many children.
Flowers and Plants
Flowers and plants symbolize growth and if a plant blooms on New Year’s Day, this will signify a year of prosperity. The Chinese firmly believe that without flowers, there would be no formation of any fruits to bear seeds for the next generation. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to have flowers and floral decorations in the home to begin a new year.
Candies
Sweets are served to family and friends when they visit your home during Chinese New Year. The candies are displayed on a Harmony Tray in either groups of nine which sounds like longevity or eight, a homonym for prosperity.
Some of the more popular items you will find on the Harmony Tray are: candied melon (symbolizes growth and good health), red melon seeds (represents joy, happiness, truth, many sons and sincerity); candied coconut (encourages togetherness) and lotus seeds (represents fertility).
