
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most vibrant and meaningful celebrations of the year. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, it’s a time to welcome new opportunities, embrace good fortune, and celebrate with loved ones. Flowers hold a special place in these traditions, symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and fresh beginnings. From sending flower deliveries to friends or crafting a DIY bouquet to beautifying your home with lucky blooms, the right floral choices can infuse your celebrations with elegance and cultural significance.
Among the most traditional Lunar New Year flowers are peach blossoms, which symbolize growth in love and prosperity, and plum blossoms, representing perseverance and courage. But they’re just the beginning — there’s a treasure trove of blooms that can take your festivities to the next level. At Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, we’ll explore four popular flowers for celebrating the Lunar New Year and why they’re the perfect addition to your celebrations.
Orchids: Grace and Abundance
Orchids are a beloved symbol of wealth, beauty, and fertility, making them a top choice for the Lunar New Year. Known for their intricate and delicate blooms, orchids represent refinement and elegance, which aligns perfectly with the values of the holiday.
When incorporating orchids into your celebrations, opt for shades that align with the auspicious colors of the season: vibrant reds and oranges to invite good fortune, or sunny yellows for happiness and energy. White orchids, with their timeless beauty, can bring a touch of serenity to the festivities.
Orchids are also incredibly versatile — they make stunning centerpieces, elegant potted plants, or thoughtful gifts. Consider gifting a pot of blooming orchids to a friend or family member, as it’s believed to bring luck and prosperity to the recipient.
Peonies: Prosperity and Romance
Peonies, often called the “king of flowers,” are a classic symbol of wealth, honor, and romance. With their lush, full petals and pleasing fragrance, peonies embody luxury and good fortune, making them a must-have for the Lunar New Year.
In Asian cultures, red and pink peonies are especially popular, as red represents prosperity and joy, while pink evokes love and harmony. Their bold, abundant blooms make them perfect for arrangements or as a statement piece in your home decor.
For those hosting Lunar New Year gatherings, consider a vibrant bouquet of red peonies paired with greenery or other auspicious blooms for a striking tablescape. If you’re creating DIY bouquets, add golden accents or lucky charms for an extra festive touch. Peonies are also a meaningful gift for couples, symbolizing happiness and harmony in relationships.
Gladiolus: Strength and Success
Gladiolus flowers, with their tall, striking stalks and multiple blooms, are often associated with strength, integrity, and success. Their name derives from the Latin word “gladius,” meaning sword, making them a symbol of triumph and courage — a perfect sentiment for welcoming a new year.
In the context of the Lunar New Year, gladiolus flowers are believed to attract positive energy and new opportunities, aligning beautifully with the season’s themes of growth and renewal. They are typically arranged in tall vases, creating a sense of grandeur and elegance.
Gladiolus blooms come in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize your arrangements for the occasion. Red gladiolus flowers are ideal for prosperity, while yellow signifies happiness, and pink brings a bit of romance. Mix them with other lucky blooms or display them on their own to create a statement piece that radiates festive cheer.
Chrysanthemums: Longevity and Vitality
Chrysanthemums, beloved for their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms, are a traditional favorite for the Lunar New Year. In Asian cultures, they symbolize longevity, vitality, and rejuvenation — qualities that resonate deeply with the holiday’s emphasis on new beginnings.
Chrysanthemums come in a wide array of colors, each carrying its own symbolism. Golden yellow chrysanthemums, for instance, are associated with wealth and good fortune, while red ones convey joy and celebration. Their cheerful appearance makes them an excellent choice for brightening up your home or as a thoughtful gift to loved ones.
To create a festive chrysanthemum arrangement, pair them with complementary blooms like orchids or peonies, and add sprigs of greenery for a balanced and lush display. If you’re hosting a Lunar New Year dinner, smaller arrangements of chrysanthemums can also make charming table accents or place settings.
Final Touches for Your Lunar New Year Flowers
When arranging flowers for the Lunar New Year, it’s all about creating a balance of beauty, symbolism, and cultural significance. Use vibrant colors like red, gold, and orange to align with the holiday’s auspicious themes, and add elements like lucky red envelopes, gold coins, or tassels for extra flair.
If you’re gifting flowers, consider presenting them in a decorative pot or tying the bouquet with red or gold tassels or ribbons for a polished, festive touch. Whether you’re decorating your home, creating DIY gifts, or sending professional arrangements, these thoughtful additions will make your floral designs even more meaningful.
Flowers are an integral part of Lunar New Year traditions, bringing beauty, luck, and positive energy into every celebration. From the grace of orchids to the grandeur of gladiolus, the prosperity of peonies, and the vitality of chrysanthemums, these blooms are more than just decoration — they’re symbols of hope and joy for the year ahead. At Cascade Floral Wholesale, we wish you a Lunar New Year filled with beauty, abundance, and blossoming opportunities!