BLACK GOLD

A charcoal in gold case and wrapped with red ribbons is a token of good luck. The gift can also be used to absorb unpleasant smells in the vehicle.

I was reading an article about coal in the Star Newspaper on Friday and took special note of the particular picture and caption above.  I had long known that charcoal is considered auspicious by the Chinese and is used by some people when they move into their new houses and also during Chinese New Year.  It is also known as Black Gold.  

The writer of the article also mentioned that charcoal was symbolic to the Chinese community, with the bride giving two long pieces of charcoal tied with a red cloth as a wedding gift, where it would be placed in the kitchen, near the stove.This serves as a blessing for the couple to have food to cook always, and apart from cultural importance, the charcoal is also useful in absorbing unpleasant smells.

This gives me an idea.  When the next Chinese New Year comes around, I am going to buy me some charcoal, break them into pieces and put them into gold cases to give to my friends and relatives.  

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/21/metroperak/9132168&sec=metroperak