Learn About The Meaning Behind Lunar New Year Decorations

John WilsonFebruary 10, 2023

10 1 minute read

Learn About The Meaning Behind Lunar New Year Decorations

Across Asia, Lunar New Year is a time of celebration with family and loved ones — a particularly resonant theme in recent years. With this focus on the idea of communal celebration, especially in China, where the holiday is sometimes also called the Spring Festival, how the home is decorated and cleaned is a crucial part of the traditional preparations.

Although Asian countries and regions differ in variations on how they recognize the Lunar New Year, the celebrations around Chinese New Year, beginning this year on January 22nd, 2023, are particularly vibrant. Even as some traditions, such as fireworks, have been changing in recent years, Chinese New Year decorations are rooted in specific symbols and meanings that imbue them with great significance. Let’s take a look at some of the more common items displayed around this holiday and the symbolism behind each one.

*Note: All Chinese names in this article are English phonetic translations of the Cantonese terms and may vary in terms of spelling