In Chinese Astrology, the Double Fire Horse year is a rare cosmic event that occurs only once every 60 years, blending the Horse’s natural heat with the intense brilliance of the Fire element. When these align, the effect is not additive but amplifying.
Our Chinese New Year collection this year, focuses on auspicious colours crimson, purple, mandarin orange and gold brought to life through our florals and botanicals such as Orchids, Peonies, Chrysanthemums and Mandarin Orange Trees. Place near an entrance to invite prosperity and good health.
Orchids
While orchids come in a wide variety and are hugely popular for their bright and happy colours, the bright purple and red ones are most coveted because they represent prosperity or smooth sailing in one’s career. A common variation in the markets is moth orchids—named for how its petals resemble a resting moth—which are one of the easiest types of orchids to take care of because they are relatively drought resistant. If you don’t have much room for indoor plants, the smaller vanda orchids are a great choice, and they’re gorgeous too.
Peach Blossom
Peach blossoms are the trees of love in Chinese culture, and couples send them to show their devotion, but they can also represent blessings for family members and the wish for a good life. Fun fact: Tao Yuanming, a poet from the Six Dynasties period, wrote the famous poem, The Peach Blossom Spring, in which peach blossoms are one of the most memorable and representative elements of the fictional utopia.
Peonies
Peonies are one of the most popular subjects in ink paintings, and thanks to their constant association with the image of a scholar, they symbolise elegance, wealth and luck. When they blossom, Peonies' buds open up into a robust and brightly-coloured crown with many layers, representing one’s hope for a bright future.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are the favourite flower of Qu Yuan, poet and politician during the Warring States period in Chinese history. He is known for his patriotism and contributions to classical poetry and verses, and Chrysanthemums have since then been affiliated with his qualities and become the symbol of resilience, especially since they flower in winter. Chrysanthemums are also widely associated with longevity and luck nowadays.
Lilies
The Chinese name for Lilies combines “hundred” and “together”, which is why this blossom symbolises longevity for couples or everything going according to plan.
Old Hong Kong Lights
We partnered with local artisinal candle maker Alix Daye from Old Hong Kong Lights, to create a 32-peice capsule collection inspired by our love of Chinoiserie - a style of European decorative art characterized by whimsical, imaginative interpretations of Chinese and East Asian designs.
Our Chinese New Year collection was available in store at Lane Crawford, Pacific Place and our Orchid Collection can be found online.
Alison Whittle, Founder, Libertine Flowers
