Luck in Chinese Culture

This came with the Press Kit of Lucky Chinatown, I thought I'd share it with you guys because sharing is caring!

Luck in Numbers, Symbols and Colors. Click to enlarge photo.

And if your eyes are malabo and can't read the text on the photos, I'm also posting the text below!

Luck in Chinese Culture

While hard work, vision, and determination are the cornerstones of success in Chinese culture, there is also a firm belief that luck can significantly help the pursuit of prosperity. Chinese traditions are often graced by the presence of several good lucky charms serving as a guarantee of good fortune. Here are some of the more popular numbers, symbols, and colors considered lucky:

Two - 二

It is often believed that good things come in pairs, making two a symbol that welcomes good fortune.

Three  - 三

The Chinese word for “three” sounds similar to the word for “birth”, a moment of great joy and potential.

Five  - 五

Five is representative of the five classical Chinese elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Wood, and Metal.

Six  - 六

This number represents wealth, and is often favored by businessmen.

Seven -七

Seven represents togetherness, a number that promotes harmony in relationships.

Eight -八

The Chinese word for “eight” sounds like words for “wealth” and “prosper”, and is one of the most sought-after numbers.

Nine  - 九 

Nine was often used as the number of the Emperor, and sounds like the Chinese word for “long-lasting”.

Symbols

Arowana

These large fish are considered lucky due to their resemblance to the Chinese dragon. It is also believed that they can protect their owners from death by giving up their own lives.

Cat

The Maneki-Neko (Beckoning Cat) is a tradition adopted from Japanese culture. Figurines with the left paw raised are said to welcome money, while those with the right paw raised are believed to protect their owners. Some figurines depict the cat raising both paws.

Coin

The Chinese coin is a symbol of universal harmony, believed to bring about good luck. The circular shape of the coin represents Heaven, while the square hole in the middle represents Earth. The two symbols on the sides of the hole are Yin and Yang, indicating balance between the two forces.

Double Happiness

The symbol is seen gracing many homes and businesses as it welcomes good fortune.

Dragon

Dragons represent power and good luck, and are used in countless works of art for as one of China’s most popular classical symbols.

Jade

The stone is said to ward off evil, protecting people and areas around it. It is also believed that if jade becomes more vibrant when worn by a particular person, it radiates good luck. Jade is a symbol of prosperity, coveted as a valuable gemstone.

Koi

The image of koi swimming upstream is a symbol of perseverance through any obstacle. A legend says that koi able to swim up the Yellow River and its waterfall turn into dragons. The symbol is common to both the Chinese and Japanese, although some experts believe that the tradition began in China.

Colors

Red

Red is associated with fire, making it representative of joyous feelings. The happiness it welcomes makes it a popular color for good luck.

Blue-Green

Representing the classical element of Wood, blue-green evokes strength and vitality.

Green

Green is typically associated with good health, but it is also the color of prosperity and harmony.

Yellow

Yellow is regarded as the most beautiful color in Chinese tradition, and was often used by royalty. It represents the balance of Yin and Yang, and as such brings about good luck.

Staying true to tradition, Lucky Chinatown held its launch on August 15, 2012, an auspicious date in which favorable energies supported nearly any type of endeavor, according to Feng Shui masters. Guests were able to bring home a little extra luck, as lucky charm bracelets were handed out during registration. 

Shoppers are welcome to share in Lucky Chinatown’s own good fortunes from August 15 to 19, as participating stores and restaurants around the mall will be offering discounts as high as 70% and other surprises. With fantastic finds, fashions, and flavors, Lucky Chinatown is a paradise filled with good fortune.

Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did!