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Chinese New Year in Australia can be an energetic and exciting time, especially in metro areas like Melbourne or Sydney. Asian communities get together during this time to throw a spectacular show of celebrations as another New Year rings in. In light of the spirit, Healthy Hampers prepared this guide to help you navigate the celebrations, if you’re new to it all.
Gift Giving Etiquette for Chinese New Year
Gifting during Chinese New Year (CNY) is a meaningful tradition filled with symbolism, and it’s a wonderful way to show appreciation, respect, and best wishes to family and friends for the year ahead. If you’re planning on giving gifts during this festive season, understanding the essential etiquette can help you avoid any cultural missteps and make your gesture even more appreciated.
First, red is your friend. The colour red is lucky and represents good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture. So, when picking out gift wrapping or the gifts themselves, look for something in red or gold – both colours are seen as prosperous and auspicious. You’ll often see red envelopes, or hongbao, given with money during CNY, which leads me to the next important point: the gift should be given in an even number.
In Chinese culture, even numbers are associated with happiness, except for the number four (which sounds like the word for “death” in Chinese). So when gifting money, always do it in amounts like 10, 20, or 100 (but not 4). If you're giving a physical gift, try to find a way to include an even number of items (like 2 or 8). Avoid giving gifts in sets of four!
Speaking of hongbao, money is a classic CNY gift, especially for children and unmarried people. It’s a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. However, be mindful of how you present the money. The money should always be new, and the envelope should be clean, neat, and often decorated with lucky symbols or characters. It’s a great idea to avoid using money that has been previously used or folded, as that can be seen as disrespectful.
Another thing to keep in mind is the recipient’s age and relationship to you. While giving gifts to family members and close friends is common, giving gifts to colleagues or acquaintances requires a bit of thought. For example, gifts that represent health or longevity, like tea or medicinal herbs, are appreciated, as are gifts that represent wealth or good fortune. But try to avoid overly lavish or extravagant gifts, as this could make the recipient feel uncomfortable or obligated to return the favour with something equally lavish.
It’s also important to consider the number of gifts. If you are giving multiple gifts, try not to give items in pairs, as even numbers can imply a sense of finality or separation (think two candles or two towels). However, certain gift types are best avoided altogether. Clocks, for example, are typically associated with funerals, while scissors, knives, or sharp objects symbolise cutting ties, which can carry negative connotations.
Now, let's talk about timing. Ideally, gifts should be exchanged in the days leading up to the New Year, but if you’re visiting someone’s home during the festival itself, don’t arrive empty-handed! It’s customary to bring a gift when visiting friends or family during their celebrations.
When giving a gift, be sure to present it with both hands as a sign of respect. If the recipient is older or in a higher position, it’s especially important to show this extra level of courtesy. Also, don’t be surprised if they initially refuse your gift – it’s part of the ritual. Be polite, and don’t push them to accept it immediately. Eventually, they’ll accept it, and that’s when you can enjoy the good feeling of spreading festive cheer.
Lastly, always remember that the thoughtfulness behind the gift is what matters most. It’s about showing respect, warmth, and best wishes for the year to come. So, put some thought into your gifts, keep these cultural tips in mind, and you’ll have a great time celebrating the New Year with your loved ones!
Away from Family This Chinese New Year? Send them a warm Healthy Gourmet Gift Hamper from our 2025 Chinese New Year Gift Collection!
Want to Stick to Low-Calorie Healthy Chinese New Year Food Gifts? Here’s What That Might Look Like
Chinese New Year is all about celebration, family, and, of course, food! While many traditional dishes are rich and indulgent, you can still find ways to share the joy with healthy food gifts that align with the season’s focus on prosperity and good fortune. If you’re looking for thoughtful, nutritious gift ideas to share with friends and family, here are a few healthy Chinese New Year food gift ideas that are both delicious and meaningful.
Fresh Fruits (Especially Oranges and Tangerines)
Fruit is a popular and healthy gift during Chinese New Year, particularly citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines. These fruits are considered symbols of good luck and wealth due to their round shape and golden colour, which resemble coins. They’re also a great option for anyone who enjoys something light and refreshing. You can arrange them beautifully in a basket or box, or even get creative by adding a personal touch, like a decorative ribbon or a lucky charm attached to the fruit. This is a healthy and auspicious way to share your well-wishes for the year ahead!
Herbal Tea Sets
Tea is an essential part of Chinese culture, and gifting a selection of fine herbal teas is a great way to share health and well-being with your loved ones. Some popular herbal teas during Chinese New Year include chrysanthemum tea, which is known for its calming properties, and goji berry tea, which is thought to promote longevity and vitality. You can create a lovely gift set with an assortment of teas, perhaps paired with a beautiful teapot or tea cups. Not only does tea make for a soothing and healthy drink, but it’s also deeply rooted in tradition and can represent peace, harmony, and good health.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
A gift of premium dried fruits and nuts is another healthy and thoughtful option. Dried longan, lotus seeds, and goji berries are all traditional foods in Chinese culture, and they’re often associated with good health and fortune. You can create a mixed package with a variety of dried fruits like apricots, mangoes, and figs, along with some unsalted almonds or walnuts. Nuts are known for their heart-healthy fats and can be a great snack, while dried fruits provide natural sweetness and important vitamins. This kind of gift is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!
Whole Grains and Brown Rice
For a more practical gift that’s still health-conscious, you could give high-quality whole grains or brown rice. Brown rice is a healthier alternative to white rice, containing more fibre, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Some regions in China also consider various grains, such as millet or quinoa, to be symbols of abundance and prosperity. You could present a bag of organic brown rice or a mix of colourful whole grains in a decorative bag or jar. It’s a meaningful gift that shows you care about both the recipient’s health and their prosperity in the coming year.
Homemade Vegetable Dumplings or Spring Rolls
If you enjoy cooking, why not try making your own healthy version of traditional dumplings or spring rolls to gift? You can use wholesome ingredients like lean chicken, mushrooms, and various veggies wrapped in rice paper or whole-wheat dumpling wrappers. These are light, healthy, and filled with nutrients while still offering that authentic Chinese New Year taste. Pack them neatly in a box, and your gift will be both thoughtful and delicious!
Superfood Snacks or Energy Bars
In recent years, superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and spirulina have become increasingly popular in the wellness world. Why not combine these into a healthy snack gift? You could prepare homemade energy bars with ingredients like oats, nuts, dried fruits, and chia seeds, or even buy pre-made, health-focused snack packs. These superfood snacks provide a nutrient boost and are perfect for those who are always on the go, making them a great choice for family members or friends who value both health and convenience.
At the end of the day, gifting healthy food during Chinese New Year is all about offering good wishes for health, wealth, and longevity. Whether you choose fruits, teas, nuts, or even homemade treats, your thoughtful gesture will surely be appreciated by anyone looking to start the new year on a wholesome note!