Within the Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities, oranges are a staple, serving both as a treat and a symbolic present to enhance the celebration. The Chinese community believes that oranges are harbingers of blessings and prosperity for the coming year, especially when given as gifts. "Giving oranges is also a gesture of gratitude for the support received throughout the year, whether in life or business," Tan Swee Kong, a pomelo trader, explained to Bernama.
The preference for larger fruits, as they are thought to bring more fortune, was highlighted by the owner of Go Chin Tambun Pamelo Agro Farm. Tan, who specializes in citrus fruits, pointed out that mandarin oranges, calamansi, and pomelos are among the top picks for CNY gifts. He elaborated that mandarin oranges, or 'kam' in Cantonese, symbolize 'gold,' making the act of giving them akin to offering gold. Calamansi, often given as a potted plant, represents 'peace' or tranquility in Cantonese, serving as a decorative and meaningful gift. Pomelos, known for their size, are favored for their symbolism of abundance and greatness, referred to as 'lok yau' or 'ta yau' in Cantonese.
Tan, from Ipoh, shared insights into his family-run business, Go Chin, named in honor of his late father Chin Too Kam's relationship with Malay friends and customers. Transitioning from selling to middlemen to direct sales at night markets, the orchard, operational for over 50 years, now offers a variety of fruits including pomelos, bananas, guavas, starfruit, durians, and sapodillas.
Source: Malay Mail