Citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins, tangerines and kumquats are round golden fruits surrounded by emerald leaves. The shape and colour of these fruits symbolize the sun and is linked to the Yang principle in Feng Shui, representing the positive element and generative force in nature.
During festive occasions like Chinese New Year, these golden fruits are considered auspicious and important symbols.
Tangerines are symbols for abundant happiness. According to Chinese etiquette, one must bring a bag of oranges or tangerines when visiting family or friends anytime during 15 day Lunar New Year celebration. This is a gesture of giving and wishing them happiness.
Four Season Lime Trees
The fruits of the four season lime tree give an impression of golden nuggets surrounded by emerald. During Chinese New year, a pair of blooming lime trees are placed at doors and living room of homes to bring abundance, good luck and wealth for the coming year.
There are a two types of lime plants commonly used in Malaysia for this purpose. They are the Calamansi lime (吉子) and kumquats (金吉). The chinese letter, "kat" - 吉 means auspicious. Calamansi in Chinese mean 'small auspice' while kumquat means 'golden auspice'. A plant with golden limes would symbolise ones efforts in getting excellent results. As these are evergreen plants, the words "Four Seasons" are cleverly added to signify everlasting auspice.
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