Chinese New Year: A Floral New Year



Dragons on parade for the Chinese New Year (Photo courtesy of chinatownconnection.com)

We're smack dab in the middle of the Chinese New Year, the most important of traditional Chinese holidays, during which time Chinese populations (and anyone who follows the Chinese Zodiac) all over the world celebrate a new beginning. There are several traditions linked to this holiday, also known as the Spring Festival, and as you might have already guessed, flowers are a big part of the tradition.

According to sources like Chinatown San Francisco and The New York Times, flowers symbolize wealth, high career status and good fortune in Chinese culture. They believe that fresh blooms in the home during the New Year will bring success in the coming year. Therefore, elaborate flower markets in China and Chinatowns everywhere are a common sight to see this time of year. 


Hong Kong flower market (Photo courtesy of nytimes.com)

This is, as anyone near a Chinatown will tell you, simply wonderful. What a great time of year for floral folks in these areas!

Starfighters symbolize wealth
and prosperity



My question is: with the tremendous range of flowers available year-round nowadays, why aren't those of us who celebrate the Gregorian New Year (January 1st) celebrating with flowers as well? The prevalent use of flowers during the Chinese New Year is certainly rooted in tradition and symbolism, but hey, we've got tradition, too! And flowers are full of symbolism!



Just take the Stargazer Lily (which was hybridized right here at Sun Valley, by the way) and its cousin the Starfighter: They symbolize wealth and prosperity. Put a bunch of Stargazers/fighters in your home and open yourself up for good fortune in the New Year! Tulips signify perfect love. Put a couple bunches of French tulips in your home... and who knows what will happen?!

The point is (you probably know where this is going already): Flowers enhance every occasion. It's a fact. It seems as though every other culture on this planet really grasps this concept, while many Americans only seem to remember flowers for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and weddings.

Let's get on board, people. In 2013 and years to come, let's celebrate like it's the Chinese New Year. Let's celebrate with flowers!


Not sure what flowers are available during the New Year? Take a look at our crop calendar by clicking HERE.