The giving of a pair of Mandarin oranges

[sun888_99]

dear cecil,
Is it true that when chinese people visit each other. They always give each other mandarin oranges and they do not ask how are you instead say that hope you had a prosperous year. Thanks.

[Cecil Lee]

Dear Anon,

1. Based on my personal observations, this holds particularly true during the 15 days of the Chinese New Year.

2. It is essential to comprehend that according to Chinese beliefs, items should be given in pairs, not singularly.

2.1. For instance, when presenting an 'Ang Pow' or red packet containing money in a red envelope during Chinese New Year or special occasions like an elderly person's birthday, the amount should be in pairs like $2, $4, $6, $10, and so on.

2.2. This practice is rooted in the belief that odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7 symbolize "loneliness."

2.3. In Feng Shui, this principle extends to the arrangement of chairs at a dining table, where pairs like 2, 4, 6, 8 are preferred over odd numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7.

3. Understanding certain Chinese beliefs is beneficial as they often influence decisions made in Feng Shui practices.

4. In Chinese culture, two mandarin oranges symbolize gold due to their color and the similarity in pronunciation of "mandarin oranges" to "gold" in Hokkien and Cantonese.

4.1. Therefore, presenting two mandarin oranges to a Chinese host during Chinese New Year signifies offering a pair of 'Gold.'

4.2. It's important to note that this exchange is usually reciprocal. The host will also prepare a pair of mandarin oranges from his/her inventory and exchange them with their guests immediately.

4.3. When you gift two mandarin oranges to the host, they are expected to present you with two different pairs before you leave.

5. The host should not return the same pair of mandarin oranges to avoid conveying a message of rejection towards the gift.

6. Some hosts may not adhere to this custom, which is generally harmless.

6.1. This could be due to their lack of awareness or forgetfulness regarding the tradition.

7. Since this practice is rooted in Chinese beliefs, the significance of receiving a pair of mandarin oranges back lies with the individual believer.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil

In Conclusion

Understanding the significance of pairs in Chinese culture, particularly during the Chinese New Year, is crucial as it influences various customs and practices such as gift-giving and Feng Shui arrangements. The exchange of pairs, like mandarin oranges symbolizing gold, holds deep cultural meaning and should be respected to avoid any unintended messages or misunderstandings.

Quote

On 10/31/99 1:34:23 AM, Anonymous wrote:
dear cecil,
Is it true that when chinese
people visit each other. They
always give each other
mandarin oranges and they do
not ask how are you instead
say that hope you had a
prosperous year. Thanks.
 

 

[Cecil Lee]

Related: Although this is specific to the year 2020.

However, within this resource link there are many various Chinese customs and beliefs:

1. When does a Chinese related businesses open during the Chinese New Year which lasts a total of 15 days.

2. If business opening are on even Chinese lunar days of the 1st lunar month. Understand that Chinese burials are the opposite: on odd days upon death.

3. What is Li Chun and what is this suppose to mean? Does all Chinese need to deposit money at a bank on Li Chun? Etc...

 

In Summary

The text discusses various Chinese customs and beliefs, including the timing of business openings during the Chinese New Year, the significance of even and odd days in Chinese lunar traditions, and the practice of depositing money at a bank on Li Chun. These customs provide insight into the cultural and traditional practices of the Chinese community.