Gift-Giving for Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is a celebration of a new calendar year and is observed by people all over the world in most Asian, many Middle Eastern, and some Indigenous cultures. Lunar New Year is typically celebrated around the end of January or the beginning of February, and many of the traditions vary by culture, including gift-giving customs. Learn more about the history of the Lunar New Year and how to choose jewellery gifts that reflect the season. 

Lunar New Year, often referred to as Chinese New Year, is considered the most important time of the year to spend quality time with loved ones. Although many different cultures celebrate it, in China, the holiday, also called the Spring Festival, can be traced as far back as the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC).

You may have noticed that red is a very popular colour for Lunar New Year decorations, and apparel and that’s because red is believed to both ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. One of the most common Lunar New Year gifting traditions involves parents, elders, and employers giving children and unmarried adults red envelopes (or red pockets) full of money to ensure safety and comfort in the new year. Denominations vary according to the relationship with the recipient.

Lunar New Year customs vary greatly across cultures, but the purpose of the traditions all trace back to prosperity and a fresh start for the year ahead.

If you want to capture the spirit and tradition of the Lunar New Year, start by exploring some of the gifting themes that can be found across the cultures that celebrate it. Here are some of the most common gifting practices that can be applied to Lunar New Year jewellery gifts.  

Buying “something gold” is a common new year tradition in China and across cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year. Since it is considered a sign of good fortune, gifting gold jewellery is a way to ensure your loved ones start off the new year right.

From stud earrings to chain necklace and bracelets, there are many options for gifting gold jewellery. Consider the age, gender, and your relationship with the recipient. Keeping it simple will ensure the jewellery can be dressed up or down and reflect anyone’s sense of style.

Red is considered the colour of good luck, prosperity, and vitality. Gemstones like rubies and garnets are popular choices for jewellery gifts at Lunar New Year as a way to pass good fortune on to your loved ones. Consider a pendant necklace, a delicate bracelet, stud earrings, or an ornate ring featuring either of the gemstones.

Highly valued in Chinese culture, jade was admired by the philosopher Confucius who reportedly made the stone a metaphor for virtue, kindness, wisdom, justice, and truth. It is also believed to have the power to avert evil and bad luck. Since the idea of passing on good fortune is an important tradition on Lunar or Chinese New Year, gifts containing jade are fitting.

Jade jewellery is considered valuable and coveted, especially when paired with gold. Jade pendants and medallions, drop earrings, and beaded bracelets are thoughtful gifts for loved ones of all ages for Lunar New Year.

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve signs that correspond to your birth year. There are also twelve birthstones that match up with the month you were born. The Lunar New Year is the beginning of a calendar year, so a zodiac gift may be a thoughtful way to celebrate your loved one.

Birthstone jewellery can be anything you want it to be, from trendy earrings to a simple necklace to a meaningful ring. A pair of cufflinks or a signet ring with a tiny birthstone accent are both unique options for men."

Tradition and heritage are both big parts of the Lunar New Year. It’s about honouring the past while also looking forward to the future. Quality jewellery can be treasured and passed down through generations, making it the kind of gift with value that endures through the years.

Make this Lunar New Year extra special with a thoughtfully designed piece of custom jewellery. A ring engraved with a meaningful word or phrase, a pendant adorned with symbolic gemstones, or a charm bracelet that the recipient can build on as the years pass are all thoughtful choices that honour the spirit of the Lunar New Year."

Need more Lunar New Year gift ideas? Peoples has a wide range of jewellery to fit anyone’s style.