Goodbye Year of the Dragon, hello Year of the Snake! As we usher in the Lunar New Year, it's time to prepare our homes for this auspicious celebration. Here are 5 easy ways to decorate your space and welcome the new year with prosperity and good fortune.
Red and gold are the quintessential colors of Lunar New Year celebrations. Red symbolizes fire, good fortune, and joy, while gold represents wealth and prosperity. Incorporate these vibrant hues throughout your home to create a beautiful and festive atmosphere.
Start by decorating with red lanterns - hang them from the ceiling, place them on shelves, or line along your entryway. Red decorative knots and hanging firecrackers also add a touch of traditional flair. For a golden glow, look to incorporate through serveware, drinkware, and other home accents in metallic tones. Gold coins, ornaments, and jewelry can also be displayed for an extra dose of prosperity.
Whereas the Year of the Dragon represents power, strength, and good fortune, the Year of the Snake represents wisdom, renewal, and transformation. Embrace this symbolism by displaying figurines, artwork, and other decor featuring the snake motif.
Look for snake-inspired vases, sculptures, or wall hangings to place around your home. You can also incorporate snake patterns into your textiles, like throw pillows or table runners. By honoring the animal of the year, you'll be welcoming its positive energy into your space.
Certain plants are considered lucky and auspicious for Lunar New Year celebrations. Plum and peach blossoms, peonies, , lucky bamboo plants and, of course, the snake plant are all excellent choices to display in your home.
These vibrant blooms and lush greenery not only add a touch of nature to your decor but also symbolize prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. Arrange them in vases, planters, or hang as a wreath for a stunning visual impact.
Oranges are another significant symbol of Lunar New Year, representing happiness and prosperity. The fruit's round shape and golden color are said to symbolize wealth (the Mandarin word for orange sounds similar to the word for wealth).
Display bowls or baskets of fresh oranges throughout your home, or incorporate them into your table settings. You can even use them as part of your floral arrangements, pairing them with other lucky plants and flowers.
No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without the tradition of red envelopes. Traditionally, elders (grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, married individuals) gift red envelopes to younger family members such as children, nieces, nephews, and unmarried relatives. This custom has now expanded to include friends and coworkers as well.
Red envelopes represent the transfer of positive energy and blessings. When giving or receiving them, it's important to do so with both hands and to never open them in the presence of the giver. Prepare a stack of these lucky envelopes to have on hand for the festivities.
As we welcome the Year of the Snake, let these 5 easy ideas help you create a warm, festive, and prosperous atmosphere in your home. From auspicious colors and lucky plants to long standing traditions, these simple touches will ensure your Lunar New Year celebrations are filled with joy and good fortune.