Tangerines are a Chinese New Year staple because their name sounds like the Mandarin word for 'luck', making them symbols of good fortune.

The tradition of featuring tangerines and oranges in Lunar New Year celebrations is rooted in homophones—words that sound alike but have different meanings—in the Chinese language. In Mandarin, the word for tangerine (jú) is phonetically similar to the word for luck (jí), and the word for orange (chéng) resembles the word for success. These linguistic associations have made citrus fruits essential cultural symbols for centuries.Historical records from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) document that citrus fruits were already prominent in festive displays and imperial banquets. The vibrant orange and gold hues of these fruits are culturally linked to precious metals, particularly gold and copper coins, reinforcing desires for prosperity and financial abundance in the year ahead.The practice of gifting tangerines in pairs reflects the Chinese concept of 'good things coming in doubles', a principle also seen in other celebratory symbols like Double Happiness. Botanically, the tangerine (Citrus reticulata) is native to Southeast Asia and China, and it naturally ripens just in time for the spring festival, making it both culturally and seasonally significant.Today, this tradition remains a major economic force. During the 15-day Lunar New Year period, millions of tons of tangerines are traded across Asia. In regions like Guangdong and Hong Kong, potted tangerine trees are placed at home and business entrances to attract positive energy and wealth, a practice rooted in Feng Shui principles.