As we bid farewell to the Year of the Tiger and welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon, the Lunar New Year, which begins on February 10, 2024 and culminates on February 24th with the Lantern Festival, brings with it a burst of colour (mostly lucky red) and a tapestry of floral customs that weave together tradition and symbolism. Among the myriad rituals that mark this festive occasion, the significance of flowers takes centre stage, each bloom carrying its own story and meaning.

The Year of the Dragon, which occurs every 12 years, symbolizes power, success, honour and luck.The Wood Dragon in particular also symbolizes creativity and imagination. It is the most coveted sign of the Lunar Zodiac, and many people try to have children during Dragon years.

Those who follow the lunar calendar clean their homes in preparation for the new year, and fill them with fresh flowers. They’re typically placed in vases and people walk around the blooms to have their wishes fulfilled for the year ahead. Flowers are also popular gifts at this time, and this Year of the Dragon it will be long-lasting snapdragons that are popular, as they represent grace and strength and are said to protect from dark magic.

In the world of Lunar New Year flowers, peonies stand as the reigning monarchs, symbolizing prosperity, wealth, and honour. According to legend, the peony is associated with the Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty (whom we created in flowers for our FEMMES show in Costa Mesa) who was said to have loved the flower. As a result, peonies are believed to bring good fortune and a flourishing year ahead, making them a staple in households during this celebratory time.

Narcissus are the most auspicious flowers for the lunar new year, and look and smell beautiful. They can range from white to the most vibrant of yellows and are also known as water fairy flowers or more commonly, daffodils. They represent good fortune and prosperity.

Popular for all new beginnings is the elegant orchid, representing beauty, luxury, abundance and fertility. Orchids are not only admired for their delicate petals but also for the belief that they bring harmony to relationships and families. The delicate aroma of orchids infuses homes with a sense of tranquility, fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity. 

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The vibrant chrysanthemum, with its petals resembling golden rays, is often chosen for its association with longevity and a full, prosperous life. In Chinese folklore, it is believed that placing chrysanthemums in your home will ward off evil spirits and bring happiness and good fortune.

It is traditional to wear red for the Lunar New Year banquets, and give out red envelopes of “lucky money” to youth. Fiery red gladiolus is also popular for young people, to represent growth in career and self-development.

Pussy willows are also very common, and represent incoming prosperity, growth and point to the beginning of spring.

The most iconic of all Lunar New Year flowers is the plum blossom. Plum blossoms, or meihua flowers are vibrant and pink, and bloom even during cold weather. As a result, they have come to represent perseverance, growth and reliability and are often featured in traditional Chinese paintings. According to legend, the plum blossom's ability to bloom in the harshest winter conditions signifies hope and renewal—a powerful metaphor for the start of a new lunar cycle.

Legend has it that during the Song Dynasty, a poet named Lin Bu wrote a poem praising the plum blossom's tenacity, comparing it to a beauty that remains unwavering despite the biting cold. Since then, the plum blossom has become a timeless emblem of strength and perseverance, encouraging individuals to face challenges with unwavering determination.

Gong Hei Fat Choi!

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