Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Conservatory January 24 through February 8
"Legend has it that in ancient China, Nian ("Nyehn") was a man-devouring predator beast that could infiltrate houses silently. The Chinese soon learned that Nian was sensitive to loud noises and the color red, and they scared it away with explosions, fireworks and the liberal use of color red domestically. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations." Lunar New Years festivities unify Chinese populations worldwide in celebration of this popular holiday. Each Lunar New Year falls on a different day of the week. New clothing is worn to signify the New Year and the color red is used in all decorations. In Addition, red packets are given to the youth by the elders and those who are married.
Not only are activities important in the celebration of the Lunar New Year but also certain fruits and plants. The Mandarin orange and Pomelo are certainly tasty Lunar treats. Mandarin oranges shapes and colors symbolize the sun. They are connected with the yang principle which represents the positive elements in nature. Oranges are considered auspicious fruits and essential symbols for the New Year. However, the green Pomelo, which becomes yellow when ripe, is used by the Chinese as a household decoration.
At the Conservatory, the Mandarin and Pomelo are available for visitors to see, as well as the Quince, Narcissus, and Kumquat plants. These New Year plants vary in usage. The quince is used for household decorations and it is a primary belief in Chinese households that without flowers there will not be any formation of fruit. The Narcissus, known to the Chinese as the water fairy flower, is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Lastly the Kumquat is a pun for gold and for good fortune. Candied kumquats are one of the necessary preserves for the New Year. - Emelia Romain
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Rose are Red
Violets are Blue
But a Jungle of Orchids
Celebrate your love all year long with the gift of a Jungle Pass - unlimited free admission to the Conservatory of Flowers for two adults and two children.
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