Get into the festive spirit by putting up Chinese New Year decorations. Red and gold are the auspicious colours for the season and will definitely help to get you into the xin nian mood. Plus, putting up Chinese New Year decorations around the home can be a great mini project for the family to undertake together as well.
We paid a visit to the streets of Chinatown to suss out the different Chinese New Year decorations that you can find.
Chinese New Year Decorations
Paper Cuttings
The art of Chinese paper cutting dates back to the 2nd century. These delicate paper cuttings make pretty Chinese New Year decorations. The paper cuttings typically consist of an auspicious Chinese character surrounded by amazingly intricate patterns cut out from red paper.
Lanterns
A staple Chinese New Year decoration is the red Chinese lantern. The most common form is the traditional lantern with tassels underneath. These come in all sort of sizes, from miniature ones that you can string into a bunting and large-sized ones.
Nowadays, you can get them in more modern and stylish designs, and illuminated with energy-saving LED lights.
Pineapples
Pineapples are good for more than just pineapple tarts. How about some pineapple-shaped decorations that you can hang up for good luck? Huat ah!
Firecrackers
Pow, pow, pow! While you may not be able to set off real firecrackers, you can buy wall hangings of firecrackers to decorate your home. The red decorative firecrackers usually come adorned with gold designs and an auspicious Chinese character for good measure too.
Flowers and Plants
Decorate your home with some pretty flowers and plants too. Pussy willows are a favourite plant for the season? Or you can get lucky, twirly bamboo shoots too.
If space is not an issue, the tangerine plant, with its bright orange fruit contrasting against deep green leaves, makes a nice decorative touch for the Chinese New Year season.
Mini Lion Dance Decorations
Nothing says Chinese New Year like the lion dance. You can buy miniature-sized lion dance lions to decorate the home. Though small, they are intricately made with colourful fur and they even have festive sayings coming out from their mouths.
READ: Chinese New Year Craft Ideas – DIY Decorations
READ: How to Make Ang Pow Fishes for the Lunar New Year
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