Essential Blooms For Chinese New Year and the Story Behind Them

There are many different holidays in China, among which the most important and popular is the New Year. It is celebrated mainly in February. Specifically when the second new moon arrives after the winter solstice. Therefore, the date changes every day but it is customary to celebrate it as brightly as possible. Usually, people spend this day with friends and family, exchanging gifts and wishes. Although not many other countries celebrate Chinese New Year as loudly as in China, it is still gradually becoming popular worldwide. 

What Gift To Choose for Chinese New Year? 

If you are not very familiar with Chinese New Year customs, a good choice would be a bouquet of flowers. There is no occasion where flowers would be inappropriate!

1. Red flowers. The Chinese have a tradition of giving red flowers, which are among the most popular options. The red color symbolizes the fire element and energy. The national flag of China is red, and you can often see it on New Year’s banners, greeting cards, etc. Popular red flowers include: 

• Roses
• Gerbera (Asteraceae)
• Orchids
• Red orchids
• Canadian columbines (Aquilegia canadensis)
• Aster flowers
• Poppies
• Carnations

1. Matching flowers. Another great way to choose flowers for a New Year Celebration or as a gift would be a flower that matches the color of the Chinese New Year Symbol. The symbol varies each year. In 2023, it was a black water rabbit, while in 2024, it was a green wooden dragon. The coming 2025 year will greet a green wooden snake so you can choose:

• Green gladiolas
• Lime hydrangeas 
• Green flowering tobacco
• Green orchids
• Green tulips
• Evergreen amaryllis
• Lime day lilies

1. Yellow flowers. Chinese traditions see yellow color as a color of change. If you choose yellow flowers, they will symbolize new opportunities and positive changes in the coming year. There are many beautiful yellow flowers, such as: 

• Japanese yellow roses
• Gerbera flowers
• Forsythia
• Azalea flowers
• Sunflowers
• Yellow hibiscus
• Begonia
• Coneflowers
• Cchrysanthemum
• Coneflowers

Styling a Chinese New Year

One of the greatest ways to make each holiday even more special is to style it. If you want to host a Chinese New Year celebration, you can create a festive atmosphere and showcase Chinese tradition with the help of flowers. 

1. Use plum blossoms, which symbolize strength and endurance, as a flower arrangement. Place it at the entrance to welcome your guests and set the tone of the party. 
2. Use orchids to decorate the dining table. They will add a touch of elegance and won’t disturb the conversations at the table. 
3. Peonies, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, will look great in large vases that you would place on coffee or side tables.
4. Use bamboo to create an interesting photo area. Even though it’s not a flower, it represents flexibility and strength. You often see it included in Chinese New Year decorations for good luck. 
5. Organize an interesting activity, like a flower arranging workshop, where guests will be able to create their own bouquet with different flowers that are significant in Chinese culture, such as peony, peach and plum blossoms, camellia, lotus, orchid, and bamboo. 

Flowers are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and are often used in different celebrations, conveying symbolic meanings and adding beauty to each holiday. An old Chinese saying notes that “A single flower does not make spring, but one hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to each garden”. Turn your Chinese New Year celebration into a real spring with flowers, and this spring will let your mood bloom!