Every year, Asian communities around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, accompanied by unique ceremonies and beliefs. But one thing remains constant across borders, clans, generations and traditions—the colour red.
The vibrant colour holds a significant place in Chinese culture particularly, as it represents good luck, vitality and prosperity. “Legend has it that a beast known as a would emerge on Chinese New Year’s Eve to devour villagers, livestock and crops,” says Stewart Young, director of jewellery and head of jewellery Asia at Bonhams. “[Certain] villagers heard that the were scared of children dressed in red; since then, we [Chinese communities] dance, or lion dance, is performed every Chinese New Year’s Eve to ward off evil.”
