As we eagerly await the arrival of spring, we're also marking our calendars for the Lunar New Year of 2024. Falling on February 10th, this year will be heralded in with the spirited energy of the Dragon. The celebrations, rich with ancient traditions and joyous gatherings, will span over two weeks, culminating with the Lantern Festival on February 24th. During this festive period, our fields in Forest Grove, Oregon are in full swing, ensuring that Forsythia and Pussy Willow—symbols of prosperity and renewal—are ready for the New Year.
Forsythia's bright yellow blooms are not just visually striking—they carry deep cultural significance. Revered for their imperial yellow color, they are a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Chinese tradition. Our forsythia shrubs, nurtured in the fertile soils of Oregon, burst into color just in time for the New Year, serving as a beacon of spring and the sense of optimism that the season brings.
The grace of Pussy Willow in Lunar New Year traditions is embodied in its delicate, silk-like buds. These buds eventually bloom into green shoots, which are seen as a sign of growth and the promise of prosperity. At the Forest Grove, Oregon Farms, we cultivate three distinct varieties: the deep-hued Black Pussy Willow, the whimsically shaped Fantail Pussy Willow, and the vibrant Red Pussy Willow. Each type brings its own unique flair to the festivities.
A Tradition of Growth and Prosperity
These plants are integral to the traditions of Lunar New Year, where every bloom and branch has meaning, symbolizing the community's aspirations for wealth, prosperity, and new beginnings. Our commitment is to provide these plants not just as decorations, but as carriers of cultural heritage and harbingers of fortune for the coming year.
For a more in-depth look at the cultural significance of these plants, resources like ChinaHighlights and The HK Hub offer extensive insights into the various plants celebrated during the Lunar New Year.