The Spring Festival in Hainan, a tropical province in south China, bursts with color, flavor, and tradition. Among the most cherished customs are the preparation of New Year snacks, the hanging of spring couplets, and the decoration with fresh flowers.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the streets of Haikou, Hainan’s capital, come alive with vendors selling an array of traditional snacks. Locals flock to buy dried fish, sesame candies, and peanut cakes—delicacies known as nianhuo in Chinese. These treats are not just food but symbols of prosperity and good fortune, shared with family and friends during the festivities.
Spring couplets, with their vibrant red hues and auspicious messages, are another essential element. In the historic Qilou Ancient Street of downtown Haikou, calligraphers have been penning these handwritten couplets for decades. Residents eagerly select couplets to adorn their doorways, hoping to invite happiness and luck into their homes for the coming year.
No Spring Festival is complete without the allure of fresh flowers. In cities like Sanya, flower markets bloom with colorful plants that carry special meanings. From orchids symbolizing elegance to kumquat trees representing wealth, these botanical delights help families create a festive and hopeful atmosphere in their homes.
The combination of these traditions—delicious snacks, meaningful couplets, and beautiful flowers—reflects the rich cultural heritage of Hainan during the Spring Festival. They bring communities together, preserve age-old customs, and usher in the new year with joy and optimism.
