japanese quince - Illustrated by Helen KrayenhoffTuesday, February 1 is the first day of the Chinese New Year. The Lunar New Year celebration lasts 15 days and ends on the first full moon after the Spring Festival.  This is the year of the Tiger.  Tigers were born in the years 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022 and are known as courageous and active people who love a good challenge and adventure in life.

During Chinese New Year it is traditional to give children and young adults that are not married, a red envelope with money inside. The red envelopes are wishes for another safe and peaceful year. If you are giving a gift to an adult, Berkeley Hort can help you with that. Some plants that are special for the Chinese New Year, are Red Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles), Osmanthus fragrans, Orange (Citrus) and Camellia varieties. The color red signifies happiness, passion and good luck, so any plant with red flowers would make a perfect gift. Finally, any long-lasting flowers such as orchids are a great choice.