Tangerine
Overview
The fruit's name contains a syllable close to the word for luck, which is why tangerines and kumquats are given and displayed at New Year.
Meaning
The tangerine carries the reading of good fortune through sound, and is one of the standard New Year fruits.
Traditional Interpretation
Sources treat the tangerine as a New Year gift fruit, and the reading is phonetic rather than visual.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does tangerine symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The tangerine carries the reading of good fortune through sound, and is one of the standard New Year fruits. The fruit's name contains a syllable close to the word for luck, which is why tangerines and kumquats are given and displayed at New Year.
What does the tangerine stand for?
It is one of the standard plants with an agreed reading. The tangerine carries the reading of good fortune through sound, and is one of the standard New Year fruits. The giving is the practice: tangerines are exchanged as objects rather than depicted, which distinguishes them from the painted symbols.
How is tangerine read in Chinese tradition?
Sources treat the tangerine as a New Year gift fruit, and the reading is phonetic rather than visual. It is grouped under Wood (木) in the five-element system.
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