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For those that celebrate Chinese New Year, chrysanthemum tea is a drink that has become synonymous with the season
Every time you bai nian and enter into someone's home, the next thing you're probably greeted with is a familiar yellow box drink (plus a red ang pow if you're still single, hehe).
But have you ever wondered why people actually serve chrysanthemum tea during Chinese New Year?
Culturally, chrysanthemum tea symbolises longevity
The word for chrysanthemum (jú) sounds similar to the word for "long-lasting", giving the flower a deep-rooted association with longevity.
In Chinese culture, chrysanthemums are also celebrated as symbols of vitality. Their bright blossoms, which flourish even in cooler seasons, represent enduring strength and energy.
Serving or gifting chrysanthemum tea during CNY becomes a gentle, thoughtful gesture, offering elders wishes for a long, healthy, and steady year ahead.
The "golden flower" also represents wealth and prosperity
When brewed, chrysanthemum tea turns a warm golden yellow, a colour traditionally associated with wealth, abundance, and prosperity.
During a season where every symbol, snack, and decoration carries a blessing of its own, this golden drink naturally complements the wishes for financial luck in the year ahead.
Its vibrant hue is also believed to attract prosperity and abundance, aligning perfectly with the festive focus on wealth and success.
Beyond symbolism, chrysanthemum tea is also a go-to remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Families often serve it during CNY because it helps the body cope with all the festive indulgences:
- Cooling effect: Helps balance "heaty" foods like bak kwa, fried treats, and steamboat
- Aids digestion: A light, floral drink that's easy on the stomach after big meals
- Promotes well-being: Traditionally believed to support immunity, soothe the eyes, and even help regulate blood pressure, aligning with the New Year's wish for good health
For more #ChineseNewYear stories:
- 8 Chinese New Year Snacks & Their Meanings If You've Ever Wondered Why You're Eating Them
- 8 Lucky Dishes & Snacks You Should Eat For An Auspicious Chinese New Year
- This PJ Store Has Over 200 Cookies & Snacks For You To Binge On This CNY
- Here Are The Number Of Calories In Your Favourite CNY Snacks And How You Can Burn Them Off
