Chinese culture, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, deeply intertwines food with daily life and traditions. Fruits, in particular, are more than just delicious treats; they hold profound cultural meanings and symbolize the hopes and aspirations of the Chinese people for a better life.
Apple: Peace and Safety
In Chinese, the word for apple (“píngguǒ”) sounds like the word for peace (“píng”). This makes apples a symbol of safety and good fortune. People often give apples during festivals, celebrations, or visits to friends and family to wish them peace. In traditional weddings, apples are placed in the newlyweds’ room to bless their marriage with safety and harmony.
Orange: Good Luck and Completeness
Oranges, with their round shape and golden color, symbolize prosperity and completeness. The word “orange” in Chinese (“jú”) sounds similar to “good fortune” (“jí”), making them a favorite gift during celebrations. Oranges are also common at weddings and housewarming parties, where they represent luck, unity, and abundance. Orange trees, which stay green year-round, are a sign of vitality and bountiful harvests.
Persimmon: Smooth Success
The Chinese word for persimmon (“shì”) sounds like the word for events or things (“shì”), leading to the saying “things go smoothly.” With their vibrant red-orange color, persimmons represent good fortune and a prosperous life. Persimmons often appear in traditional art and decor, paired with objects like the ruyi (a symbol of wishes granted), to express hopes for a smooth and successful journey through life.
Jujube (Red Date): Fertility and Good Luck
Jujubes are a symbol of good fortune and are widely used in wedding traditions. Paired with lotus seeds, peanuts, and longans, they create a homophone for the blessing “may you have a child soon.” Beyond weddings, jujubes are prized in Chinese medicine for their health benefits and are also celebrated in literature as symbols of rural simplicity and harvest joy.
Longan: Reunion and Happiness
The name of the longan fruit contains the word “round,” a shape that signifies completeness and reunion in Chinese culture. Longans symbolize peace and happiness, often appearing in family gatherings and ancestor worship ceremonies to express hopes for harmony and togetherness.
Peach: Longevity and Renewal
Peaches are rich in symbolism, often associated with longevity and health. In Chinese mythology, peaches are considered the fruit of the immortals. At elders’ birthday celebrations, peach-shaped buns or actual peaches are given as a blessing for long life. Their shape also symbolizes togetherness, while their springtime ripening represents renewal and hope.
Pomegranate: Prosperity and Fertility
The pomegranate, with its many seeds, symbolizes fertility and family prosperity. It represents having many descendants and a harmonious family. Its bright red color aligns with traditional celebratory themes, making it a symbol of happiness and good fortune. Some believe pomegranates can ward off evil and bring blessings, representing a thriving and prosperous nation.
Grape: Abundance and Unity
Grapes grow in clusters, symbolizing abundance and wealth. In agricultural traditions, they reflect a bountiful harvest and the diligence of the people. The intertwining vines represent loyalty and close relationships, while the many grapes in a single bunch signify fertility and family harmony.
Plum: Virtue and Gratitude
Plums symbolize good character and gratitude. The phrase “to repay kindness with a plum” reflects this association. Plum trees were once considered sacred dwellings for spirits, making plums a representation of respect for elders and loved ones. The saying “peach and plum trees bloom all over the world” conveys the idea of spreading goodness and nurturing talent.
Mulberry: Serenity and Prosperity
Mulberries often appear in Chinese poetry as symbols of idyllic rural life and tranquility. Their connection to the ancient sericulture industry ties them to agricultural success and the hopes for a prosperous future.
Conclusion
In Chinese culture, fruits are more than just food—they’re vessels of deep cultural significance and heartfelt wishes. These fruits bridge the gap between past and present, nature and humanity, offering a unique lens through which to appreciate the richness and diversity of Chinese tradition. They embody the wisdom of generations and remain a shared cultural treasure for all.
