Chinese New Year 2025: The Colours of Meaning in the Lunar Festival

"...Once again, we return to the Chinese New Year. This festival is one of the most important in Chinese culture, and it's not just about celebrating the beginning of a new year. It's a time filled with deep symbolic meaning and a reflection of traditions passed down through generations. Today, #legend_th invites you to explore the vibrant colours that carry profound significance for the Chinese people. In Chinese culture, every colour holds a rich meaning, while also reflecting the beautiful traditions and values that have been cherished for centuries…"

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival (春节, Chūn Jié), is one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture. It's not only a time to celebrate the arrival of the new year but also a period deeply rooted in symbolism and the remembrance of traditions handed down through the generations. During this time, Chinese people place great importance on the colours that dominate the festivities. Each colour is believed to attract good fortune, wealth, and happiness for the coming year.

Red (红 - hóng)

Symbolic of: Luck, Happiness, Prosperity, and Protection from Evil

Red is the most dominant colour during Chinese New Year, symbolising good fortune and protection from evil spirits. According to legend, the colour red was believed to be powerful enough to scare away Nian, a mythical monster that would devour people during the New Year. In ancient times, people would decorate their homes with red, light firecrackers, and wear red clothing to ward off Nian. Today, red continues to symbolise happiness and good luck, appearing in decorations, hongbao (red envelopes), red lanterns, couplets, and festive clothing. Hongbao, filled with money, are given to children and unmarried adults as blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Gold (金 - jīn)

Symbolic of: Wealth, Abundance, and Success

Gold is deeply connected with wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture. It often appears alongside red during the Chinese New Year, symbolising material success, financial growth, and abundance in the upcoming year. You'll find gold in various decorations, such as gold-wrapped treats like golden oranges and gold ingot-shaped candies. The combination of red and gold is particularly auspicious, believed to attract wealth and good fortune into the new year.

Yellow (黄 - huáng)

Symbolic of: Power, Stability, and Warmth

While red and gold dominate, yellow is also significant during Chinese New Year. Historically, yellow was associated with emperors, symbolising authority, wealth, and divine power. More subtly, yellow represents the earth element, providing stability to the celebrations. You'll see yellow in decorations, food, and clothing, where it complements the vibrant reds and golds to create a balanced, harmonious atmosphere.

Green (绿 - lǜ)

Symbolic of: Renewal, Vitality, and Growth

Green is another colour connected to Chinese New Year, particularly in relation to nature and new beginnings. It signifies the arrival of spring, renewal, and fresh starts, which are central themes of the festival. Green is also linked to the wood element in Chinese philosophy, symbolising growth, vitality, and prosperity. Green plants, flowers, and vegetables like spring onions (葱, cōng) are commonly seen during this time, believed to bring good fortune. Green fruits, such as pears and oranges, are popular gifts, symbolising wealth and growth.

Pink (粉红 - fěn hóng)

Symbolic of: Love, Youth, and Happiness

Although less prominent than red or gold, pink has found its place in Chinese New Year celebrations, especially among younger generations. Pink symbolises love, beauty, and youthful energy, making it ideal for couples or newlyweds during the festival. The bright, cheerful tone of pink is often seen in flowers, decorations, and festive attire, also believed to bring good luck in romantic relationships and happiness in the coming year.

Black (黑 - hēi) and White (白 - bái)

Symbolic of: Caution, Mourning, and Balance

Purple (紫 - zǐ)

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Symbolic of: Nobility, Spirituality, and Luxury

Purple, though less common than red or gold, still plays a role in Chinese New Year, particularly in more refined decorations. It symbolises nobility, spirituality, and wealth. In some traditions, purple is associated with good fortune and longevity, making it an ideal colour for luxurious or elegant items. Purple is often used in decorations, table settings, and attire, frequently paired with red and gold to enhance the richness and luxury of the celebrations.

Blue (蓝 - lán

Symbolic of: Tranquillity, Wisdom, and Healing

Blue is a rare but peaceful colour that appears in more subtle forms of Chinese New Year decorations. It symbolises tranquillity, wisdom, and healing from any misfortune in the previous year. Though not as prominent as red or gold, blue is sometimes seen in modern Chinese New Year decor, floral arrangements, or porcelain items. It serves to balance the bold reds and golds, bringing calm and stability to the festive atmosphere.

Beyond the use of these colours in decorations, many foods carry special significance during Chinese New Year. For instance, oranges, with their golden hue, represent wealth and completeness, while fish symbolises abundance and prosperity. Colour is an integral part of the food offerings, reinforcing the wish for a prosperous and joyful year ahead. Similarly, clothing worn during the festival is often red or gold, chosen to attract good fortune and prosperity. Many people even buy new clothes to start the year fresh, leaving behind bad luck and inviting positive energy into their lives. Therefore, the colours seen during Chinese New Year are not just decorations; they hold deep meanings that reflect the hopes, wishes, and traditions of the people. Red, gold, yellow, and green represent wealth, luck, and growth, while purple, pink, and blue add elegance, peace, and love to the celebrations. By surrounding themselves with these colours, Chinese people seek to invite good fortune, drive away negativity, and lay the foundation for a prosperous year ahead.

Also See: The relationship between Chinese New Year and the world of fashion