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In China, everything has meaning. Colors, numbers... and even fruit! Yes, you read that right. Giving an orange can mean much more than just sharing a vitamin-packed snack. In the Middle Kingdom, certain fruits are considered lucky charms. Between age-old traditions and small everyday rituals, fruit is popular and isn't just there to look pretty on the Chinese New Year table.
So, what is this magical fruit that attracts luck? Spoiler: there isn't just one. And some might already be hiding in your fruit basket.
In this article, we'll take you on a fruity (and lucky) tour of Chinese culture. A journey where tangerines, pomegranates, and peaches have plenty of surprises in store for you. Fasten your seatbelts, get out the juicer, and get ready to see fruit in a whole new way!
Ah, the mandarin! This little citrus fruit has it all: easy-to-remove skin, a sweet and juicy taste, and above all… a lot of luck .
In China, the mandarin orange isn't just a seasonal fruit. It's the ultimate symbol of prosperity. Why? Because in Cantonese, the word for "mandarin" (橘, pronounced "gwat") sounds like the word for "gold" (金, "gum"). So giving a mandarin orange is a bit like saying, "Here, here's some gold as a gift." It's a bit like the Chinese Clock , where every detail has its own meaning and importance. Pretty nice intention, right?
During Chinese New Year, it's customary to place tangerines at the entrance of homes or give them to loved ones. And be careful, not just one! Two tangerines are even better. Because two, in Chinese, is "shuang," and it rhymes with "double happiness." A double dose of luck is something you can't refuse.
Mandarins also decorate homes. Sometimes in baskets, sometimes hung on decorative branches. In short, if you want to please a Chinese person during the holidays, forget flowers or chocolates. Give them plump mandarins.
This fruit, which has the patience of a Buddhist monk to open, is another favorite of Chinese culture. The pomegranate (石榴, "shí liú") is a symbol of fertility, offspring, and abundance . It's no surprise when you consider the number of tiny seeds it contains...
In Chinese tradition, offering a pomegranate to a newly married couple is like saying, "Go ahead, children, build us an army of grandchildren!" It is a wish for a large family, happiness, and prosperity .
Pomegranates are also present in traditional art: paintings, porcelain, embroidery... They are often found open, revealing their seeds as a promise of inner richness and multiplicity.
If you thought peaches were just a juicy summer fruit you eat by the pool, think again. In China, peaches are the fruit of immortality . Just that.
According to legend, peaches of immortality only ripen once every 3,000 years. Yes, that's a bit long if you want a fruit salad quickly. But symbolically, these divine peaches were reserved for Taoist gods to guarantee them a long life full of wisdom and serenity—much like the Chinese lucky cat , which also embodies good luck, prosperity, and longevity in Asian tradition.
In traditional iconography, the god of longevity, Shou Xing, often holds a giant peach in his hand. So if you're ever given a peach in China, it's not just to refresh yourself. It's a wish for health, longevity, and a happy old age .
The orange, larger than its cousin the mandarin, has not yet had its last word. It too is a symbol of luck, for very similar reasons: its golden color, its sweet taste, and its name, "chéng" (橙), which recalls the word for "success."
In China, gold is the color of wealth. So when a fruit is the color of gold, you can imagine it's a jackpot . Oranges are therefore very popular on special occasions, especially weddings and New Year's.
Don't be surprised if a host offers you two oranges as you leave. This isn't an attempt to empty their fridge; it's a polite gesture and a sign of shared good luck . Accept them with a smile; it's a nice sign of respect.
The grape is not native to China, but it has found a place in the local culture. Often depicted on traditional Chinese vases , its many small, tightly packed berries symbolize unity, family, and abundance.
Grapes are found at certain festivals or in offerings to ancestors. Their generous appearance gives an image of lasting success and strong bonds between generations . In other words, the more grapes there are, the greater the luck.
Picking grapes takes time, just like succeeding in life. Grapes are therefore sometimes seen as an encouragement to patience and hard work . And for those who love wine: yes, that counts too.
With its Pokémon-crossed-with-a-cactus look, the dragon fruit is intriguing. In China, it is prized not only for its spectacular appearance, but also for its symbolism: luck, energy, and vitality .
The dragon fruit, or pitaya, doesn't have the mythological background of the peach or pomegranate. But in modern-day China, it is often associated with personal success, beauty, and healthy living .
And since its name contains the word "dragon," it can only be seen as a good thing. The dragon, in China, is the king of celestial creatures , a symbol of power, ambition, and luck.
The kumquat is a bit like the mandarin orange's discreet little brother. But don't be fooled by its size. In China, this mini citrus fruit is extremely popular during the New Year, often given in pots or arranged in antique Chinese vases to decorate homes.
The word "kumquat" in Cantonese sounds like "gold." Yes, again. The Chinese love wordplay, especially when it comes to money and luck. A pot of kumquats is like a mini gold mine on your balcony.
Plus, because it's a plant, the kumquat can last a long time. It thus embodies continued luck, growing slowly but surely. A perfect symbol for those who want long-term luck (and who have a bit of a green thumb). Learn a little more here .
In China, fruit isn't just a culinary delight; it plays a significant role in Chinese traditions. Whether at weddings, birthdays, offerings to ancestors, or New Year celebrations, it's everywhere. And for good reason.
Giving fruit is not something to be taken lightly. It's important to respect the right quantities, the right fruits, and avoid certain faux pas (like giving pears, which are associated with separation). So if you're invited to a Chinese friend's house, do your homework and choose your basket wisely.
Fruit offerings in temples are very common. They are believed to attract the blessings of the gods and spirits , while also showing respect to the worshipper. Mandarins, apples, grapes, or even bananas: each has its own meaning.
We've talked about the stars, but there are other fruits that also play supporting roles. Some are tolerated as lucky charms , others are banned altogether.
The apple (苹果, píngguǒ) : close to the word "peace", therefore often offered to wish for a peaceful life.
Lychee : imperial fruit, symbol of luxury and desire.
Longan (龙眼) : literally “dragon’s eye”, associated with clairvoyance and intelligence.
Pear (梨, lí) : close to the word "separation". Giving a pear is like saying "goodbye forever".
Bananas as offerings : sometimes associated with poverty because they grow quickly and in large quantities, without scarcity.
So, now you know that fruits in China aren't just for decoration or to fill the stomach . They're full of symbols, stories, and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. And most importantly, they can bring good luck!
Whether you're superstitious or just curious, consider filling your fruit basket with a few tangerines, a ripe pomegranate, or a pretty potted kumquat. Who knows, maybe luck will knock on your door with a zest of vitamin C.
And between us, if it doesn't work out... at worst, you'll have eaten well.