8 Types of Oranges for Chinese New Year & Their Meaning

8 Auspicious Orange Types for Chinese New Year

1. Mandarin Oranges (柑 / 桔), The Classic Symbol of Prosperity

Mandarin oranges are the most traditional and widely exchanged CNY fruit. Their bright orange skin symbolises gold, wealth and smooth beginnings.

Meaning:
✨ Abundance
✨ Smooth fortune
✨ A prosperous year ahead

Best for:

• Gifting during house visits
• Office blessings
• Displaying at home in pairs for good luck

2. Honey Murcott Oranges, Sweet Blessings & Family Harmony

Honey Murcott oranges are loved for their tender flesh and very sweet flavour. They represent sweet relationships and harmony within the household.

Meaning:
✨ Sweetness in life
✨ Stronger relationships
✨ Peace & unity

Best for:

• Reunion dinner gifts
• Family visits
• Couples and newlyweds

3. Lukan Oranges (Lokan), Smooth Sailing & Good Fortune

Lukan oranges are round, smooth and easy to peel. Their shape and texture symbolise a smooth year ahead.

Meaning:
✨ Success without obstacles
✨ Stability
✨ Good business opportunities

Best for:

• Businesses
• Colleagues or clients
• Entrepreneurs beginning the new year

4. Ponkan Oranges, Great Luck & Generosity

Ponkan oranges are large, plump and known for their rich aroma. Their size represents big wealth, generous blessings and abundance.

Meaning:
✨ Big fortune
✨ Generosity
✨ Overflowing blessings

Best for:

• Important relatives
• Elderly family members
• Clients & VIPs

5. Satsuma Oranges, Youth, Positivity & Renewal

Seedless and easy to peel, Satsuma oranges bring a refreshing sweetness that symbolises youthful energy and renewed beginnings.

Meaning:
✨ New opportunities
✨ Fresh starts
✨ Positive energy

Best for:

• Students
• Young adults
• New homeowners

6. Tangerines, Luck in Business & Career Growth

Tangerines look similar to mandarins but carry a deeper meaning associated with professional success and career growth.

Meaning:
✨ Career advancement
✨ Luck for new ventures
✨ Smooth negotiations

Best for:

• Business partners
• Bosses or colleagues
• Entrepreneurs

7. Mini Mandarin Oranges (Mini Mandarins), Child Blessings & Family Joy

These small-sized mandarins symbolise fertility, child blessings, and joy within the home. Their cute size makes them very popular with children.

Meaning:
✨ Growing families
✨ Child luck
✨ Joy and laughter

Best for:

• Young families
• Baby showers during CNY season
• Decorations on the reunion table

8. Golden Pomelo, Good Health & Protection

Although not technically an orange, the pomelo is a CNY essential and often included in orange baskets. Its impressive size symbolizes health, protection and flourishing growth.

Meaning:
✨ Strong health
✨ Family protection
✨ Abundance in all areas of life

Best for:

• Ancestral offerings
• Corporate gifting
• Centrepieces for festive displays

How Many Oranges Should You Give During Chinese New Year?

Traditionally, oranges are given in pairs, as “two” represents good things coming in harmony. Always avoid giving oranges in odd numbers, it’s considered inauspicious.

Common combinations:

• 2 oranges, general visiting
• 4 oranges, abundant blessings
• 6 oranges, smooth success
• 8 oranges, prosperity

‍Looking for more helpful tips? Check out some of these resources:

• 10 Best Oranges Brands for Chinese New Year
• 15 Best Food Caterers for Chinese New Year in Singapore
• Top 12 Lion Dance Troupes for Any Event In Singapore

Our Final Thoughts

Whether you’re exchanging oranges with family, visiting clients or preparing your home for the festive season, knowing the meaning behind each variety helps you choose the perfect ones.

From the classic Mandarin orange to the sweet Honey Murcott and auspicious Ponkan, each type carries its own charm and symbolic blessing for the year ahead.