Binondo vendors peddle lucky charms to welcome the Chinese New Year

Posted at 12:36 pm January 25, 2011

Tags: Public Holidays and Celebration

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By KC Santos

MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA- For the Chinese, there are many items that one should have to ensure good luck in time for the Chinese New Year this February 3.

Feng shui is a central theme of the celebration and vendors are making sure to sell ornaments, fruits, and all sorts of “lucky” items to welcome the New Year.

This early, many vendors in Binondo’s Chinatown are getting ready for the upcoming celebration. Alberto Paynosa makes sure he sets up ahead of the others who like him, sells lucky fruits and plants in the streets of Binondo.

For 30 years, Alberto and his wife Vilma have came to know that Chinese beliefs do hold “some truths”.

“We’ve applied most of their beliefs and for the longest time, we haven’t succumbed to any major problems,” shares Vilma, while putting red and gold embellishments on the taro crops they sell.

Apart from the charms, trinkets and figurines, the Chinese also believe in the good luck that specific fruits, crops, plants, and spices bring.

According to Alberto, the following items bring good luck especially during the Chinese New Year.

Taro – The odd shape of multiple fruits sprouting from just one root signifies the flourishing of the family in terms of descendants and the growing of the family business.
Pine fruit or pamaypay – Similar to the pineapple, this fruit has multiple crowns sprouting from one fruit. Its many eyelets symbolize bigger or more opportunities and clearer vision toward considering one business after another.
Bamboo or bamboo shoots- The bamboo signifies the “branching out” and maximizing of one’s investments. Though the business may take on another direction, it will remain sturdy and tough.
Garlic- The Chinese have so much faith in the healing powers of garlic that they believe it alone could ward off the ill effects of diseases such as swine flu.
Ginger – The Chinese believes that this especially benefits family relationships. A piece of ginger remains whole despite being slammed to the floor. The same principle will apply to the solid ties of a family.
Kiat-Kiat – Similar to oranges, these small fruits have always been thought to symbolize wealth. Circular or round fruits have had this meaning for the Chinese for the past centuries.
Fortune plants and money trees – These beautifully embellished plants in pots are believed to foster good luck.

Alberto and Vilma stress that there’s nothing wrong in believing in the tradition of others as long as you work hard for it and you don’t depend on it to be the only source of your fortune.

Get more information about Alberto and Vilma’s Lucky Store

Binondo vendors peddle lucky charms to welcome the Chinese New Year

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