Chinese Zodiac: The rotating cycle of twelve animal signs was a folk method for naming the years in traditional China. The animal signs for one another in an established order, and are repeated every twelve years. 1976 was the Year of the Dragon, 1977 was the year of the Snake. 2006 in the Chinese New Year was the year of the dog, 2009 was the year of OX, and 2010 is the year of Tiger.

Spring Couplets: This Chinese New Year symbol is a very old one and holds traditional significance. Spring couplets are traditionally written with black ink on red paper. They are hung in storefronts in the month before the Chinese New Year’s Day, and often stay up for two months. They express best wishes and fortune for the coming year. There is a great variety in the writing of these poetic couplets to fit the situation. A store would generally use couplets hat make references to their line of trade. Couplets that say “Happy New Year” and “Continuing Advancement in Education” are appropriate for a school.

Tangerines, Oranges, Pomelos: Tangerines and oranges are frequently displayed in homes and stores. Tangerines are symbolic of good luck, and oranges are symbolic of wealth. These Chinese New Year symbols have developed through a language pun, the word for tangerine having the same sound as “luck” in Chinese, and the word for orange having the same sound as “wealth”. Pomelos are large pear-shaped grapefruits.

Tray of Togetherness: Many families keep a tray full of dried fruits, sweets, and candies to welcome guests and relatives who drop by. This tray is called a chuen-hop, or “tray of togetherness”. This Chinese New Year symbol was traditionally made up of eight compartments, each of which was filled with a special food item of significance to the New Year season.

Water Narcissus: This Chinese New Year symbol signifies good luck and fortune. Flower that blossom at New Year’s time. If the white flowers blossom exactly on the day of the New Year, it is believed to indicate good fortune for the ensuing twelve months.