Chinese Superstitions on Colours, Numbers and Flowers

Due to the differences in history, culture, traditional customs and religious beliefs, different countries have different preferences towards various things. Therefore, 

unique customs, superstitions and taboos 

have been formed all over the world. When it comes to Chinese culture, do you know the meanings related to different colours, numbers and even flowers? We have compiled a few of the important ones that all Chinese language learners should know!

Colours

Red – Success and Fortune

Red is regarded as the most popular colour in several countries, such as China, Singapore and Malaysia. It symbolises good fortune, success and happiness. As you can tell, there are many red objects during the Lunar Chinese New Year, such as lanterns, red pockets, couplets and outfits. People who are celebrating their zodiac year (本命年 běn mìng nián) even wear red undergarments, believing that it will ward off bad luck and difficult challenges that they are likely to face in their zodiac year. Red couplets remain pasted on the front door even after the Lunar New Year, as people believe that it can bring safety and good luck every day of the year.

This is also the main colour used in traditional Chinese weddings, with the bride and the groom wearing red traditional Chinese clothing. The word “囍” which represents double happiness is also cut out in red as part of the wedding decorations.

Yellow – Royalty and Power

Yellow represents royalty and power, which is considered a beautiful and prestigious colour. Emperors in ancient China were often dressed in yellow or gold, with patterns of dragons sewed onto their robes and clothing. The dragon throne of the emperor was also decked in gold. Besides, the colour is also often used to decorate temples and palaces.

In modern-day, gold packets are used alongside red packets during the Lunar New Year. Gold jewellery is often seen in the older generation. However, when a newborn baby comes into the world, a gold necklace, bracelet or anklet will also be given and worn.

White – Loss & Mourning

This is the colour for mourning. From the past to present days, white is worn when mourning the death of a loved one. It is predominantly used in funerals in Chinese culture. White chrysanthemum is a popular choice when attending funerals, so please remember to not present this flower as a gift to someone.

Green – Infidelity

While green is not considered an unlucky colour, it does have a negative connotation. When a man wears a green colour hat, he might be mocked because it means 戴绿帽(dài lǜ mào) when literally translated into Chinese. This phrase means a man’s wife is unfaithful to him and it is only applicable to the male gender. Hence, a man should avoid wearing a green hat as a fashion accessory.

Numbers

Two – Good Things Come in Pairs

2, 二(èr), also has the meaning of double, 双(shuāng). There is a Chinese idiom that goes 好事成双(hǎo shì chéng shuāng) which means good things come in pairs. It is common to present gifts in pairs in Chinese culture. 双喜(shuāng xǐ) or 囍(xǐ) means double happiness, which is often used as decoration in traditional Chinese marriage.

Six – Fortune and Success

6, 六(liù), symbolises smoothness or doing something successfully. 六六大顺(liù liù dà shùn) is an auspicious idiom to say when we wish our friend to do well in every aspect of life, hoping that everything will go on smoothly. Chinese people also put more importance on celebrating their 60th birthday, or 六十大寿(liù shí dà shòu). A birthday banquet will be set up to celebrate an elderly person’s 60th birthday.

Eight – Prosperity

8, 八, pronounced as bā, is probably the most popular lucky number. It rhymes with 发 (fā), which means 发财(fā cái) or to get rich. Hence, 八 is often used in congratulatory messages, especially during Lunar New Year. Some phrases are 八方来财 (bā fāng lái cái means to get rich) and 八方鸿运 (bā fāng hóng yùn means to have best of luck). Sometimes people just say 888, like slang, which also wishes someone or oneself to get rich. Items with 8 on them are also more expensive, such as car plates and phone numbers. You might be surprised to know that people are willing to pay more just for this particular number!

We would like to introduce a Chinese idiom 半斤八两 （Bànjīnbāliǎng）， meaning not much to choose between the two. Check the video below:

Four – Unlucky Number

4, 四(sì) is considered to be an unlucky number in Chinese culture. This pronunciation is similar to 死(sǐ) which means death in Chinese. Although the Pinyin is the same, the tone is different. The Chinese often avoid talking about death, as it is a topic that is considered both uncomfortable and unlucky. It is also normal to see buildings that do not have the 4th floor, or people avoiding dates that include number 4 in it.

Flowers

Flowers are considered to be the most popular gift in social settings. When choosing flowers as a gift, it is important to pay attention to at least 3 aspects: variety, color, and number.

Roses – Valentines

Red roses (玫瑰, méi guī) stand for the hope of passionate love. Its meaning is so heart-warming that it is considered to be the most representative flower for Valentine’s Day (情人节, qíng rén jié). It is also the most important flower for expressing passionate love between lovers. Pink roses are also a popular choice on Valentine’s Day, it is more subtle and warm compared to red roses and is suitable for sweet girls to express sweet love.

1 rose means love at first sight, while 3 roses mean “I love you”. Giving 9 or 99 roses is very common because 9, 九(jiǔ), has the same pronunciation as 久(jiǔ), which means long-lasting relationships.

Carnation – Mother’s Flower

Carnation (康乃馨, kāng nǎi xīn) is a commonly used flower for Mother’s Day. It symbolizes kindness, sincerity, and motherly love, hence it is also known as the “Mother’s Flower”. Red or pink carnation represents the deep love and admiration for one’s mother. It is the best flower to send when honoring the special lady in your life on Mother’s Day. When it comes to numbers, 11 carnations represent deep and wholehearted love, 20 carnations represent unchanging love and 99 carnations represent the eternal love for mothers.

On the other hand, white carnation is used for remembrance of a deceased mother. Hence, do take note of the color of this flower when presenting it as a gift on Mother’s Day.

Lily – Purity and Sanctity

Lily (百合, bǎi hé) is associated with purity, elegance, honor and sanctity. In China, people regard the lily as an auspicious flower for weddings. There is even a Chinese idiom 百年好合(bǎi nián hǎo hé) which translated literally means a harmonious union that hopefully can last for a very long period. Lilies are suitable to present as a gift for friends, mothers, and lovers. For friends, a yellow lily is a good choice because it is an expression of gratitude. For mothers, lilies can be matched with carnations to express love to them. Lastly, for lovers, lilies can be matched with roses. White lilies represent long-lasting love and pink lilies represent pure and elegant love.

The Chinese people have many other superstitions apart from the three categories mentioned in this post. To know more about the superstitions in Chinese societies, stay tuned to our blog!