Oranges and Chinese Cuture

[emattson]

Oranges play a special role in Chinese culture. They symbolize fortune; the coloring loosely matches gold. Orange bell peppers originated in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America which explains why they are not part of their tradition. Often, the crew place oranges on the ground, sometimes stacked, for the lions to reach. A lion is always crewed by no more than two people, one for the front legs and controlling the elaborately designed head and the other for the back two feet. It may need to go through an obstacle course but it more often dance and give a show of athleticism. Once a lion reached the oranges, it proceed to eat one at a time, then either hand it to a random member of the audience or kick it into the air.

Oranges are healthy, loaded with vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and other healthy nutrition. The 3 grams of fiber slows the absorption of 12 grams of sugar in each orange, reducing high glucose spikes.

[emattson]

Lion dances may include lettuces along the oranges. Unlike oranges, the lion always shred the lettuces and kick them into the air, often showering the front audience with pieces. Lettuce represents gaining wealth. The Chinese pronunciation for lettuce is similar to "gain wealth." Lettuce and oranges had been part of Chinese tradition for centuries. I can understand the importance or oranges because of their great health benefits, but Iceberg lettuce they often use is generally the lettuce type with the lowest amount of nutrients--mostly water with a crunch. But they make for great kicking, not like the Romaine lettuce. Celtuce lettuce is the variety most common in China. Celtuce is high in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C and potassium. Cabbages also symbolize prosperity. My feeling is lettuce has special place in China because of it's versatility, easy growing, and of a color similar to Jade, a precious gem that's a status symbol.

[emattson]

During Chinese festivals, I often hear speakers compare lettuce to money because they're the same green as American bills. They didn't mention Chinese currency perhaps because back in the old days, paper money often change depending on the government and were often not colored green. Inflation can be a problem. Metal currency may be made from copper, lead iron, silver or gold.