Kumquat
Overview
A potted kumquat tree displayed at New Year is the standard practice in the southern tradition, and the name's association with gold is the reason.
Meaning
The kumquat is the New Year potted plant of the south — the name contains the word for gold, and the fruit is left on the tree.
Traditional Interpretation
Sources treat the kumquat as a display plant rather than a food, and the whole tree with fruit on it is what is displayed.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does kumquat symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The kumquat is the New Year potted plant of the south — the name contains the word for gold, and the fruit is left on the tree. A potted kumquat tree displayed at New Year is the standard practice in the southern tradition, and the name's association with gold is the reason.
What does the kumquat stand for?
It is one of the standard plants with an agreed reading. The kumquat is the New Year potted plant of the south — the name contains the word for gold, and the fruit is left on the tree. The display of the whole plant rather than the fruit is the distinguishing practice — the tree is the object, not the harvest.
How is kumquat read in Chinese tradition?
Sources treat the kumquat as a display plant rather than a food, and the whole tree with fruit on it is what is displayed. It is grouped under Metal (金) in the five-element system.
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