Auspicious Adornments: The Complete Guide to Lunar New Year Jewelry
The Lunar New Year is the most anticipated celebration in the Chinese calendar—a time when families reunite, homes are filled with warmth, and every gesture carries the hope for good fortune in the year ahead. Across generations, people have turned to symbolic objects to invite blessings into their lives. Among these traditions, few are as cherished or as deeply meaningful as the practice of wearing auspicious jewelry during the festive season. More than mere adornment, these pieces serve as tangible vessels for our hopes: for health, prosperity, harmony, and protection. As we welcome the new year, adorning ourselves with meaningful jewelry is not merely an act of decoration; it is a ritual of connection—to tradition, to family, and to the enduring values that define Chinese culture.
農曆新年是華人社會最令人期待的節慶——一個家人團聚、滿室溫馨的時刻，每一個舉動都寄託著對來年好運的期盼。千百年來，人們藉助充滿象徵意義的物件，將祝福引入生活。在這些傳統中，最受珍視、意涵最為深遠的，莫過於在節日期間佩戴吉祥首飾的習俗。這些首飾不僅是裝飾，更是承載希望的容器：對健康、對財富、對和睦、對庇佑的期盼。新春之際，佩戴有意義的首飾，不僅是點綴，更是一種儀式——與傳統對話，與家族連結，與定義中華文化的永恆價值相擁。
Part I: Why Wear Auspicious Jewelry for the New Year?
In Chinese culture, the act of wearing jewelry during the New Year is deeply symbolic. It is believed that what you wear during this transitional time sets the tone for the months to come. Auspicious motifs,specific materials, and even colors are chosen for their ability to attract good fortune, ward off negativity, and honor one’s heritage. Whether inherited from ancestors or chosen anew, each piece carries within it the accumulated blessings of generations and the promise of a bright future.
一、何以新春佩戴吉祥首飾？
在中國文化中，新春之際佩戴首飾這一舉動，蘊含著深刻的象徵意義。人們相信，在此除舊布新之時，所穿戴之物將為未來數月定下基調。吉祥紋樣、特定材質，乃至顏色，皆因其能夠招納好運、抵禦負能量、並彰顯文化傳承而被選擇。無論是祖先傳下的珍寶，還是新近購入的心頭好，每一件首飾都承載著世代積累的祝福，以及對光明未來的期許。
Part II: Jadeite — The Imperial Gem of Auspiciousness
No discussion of Chinese New Year jewelry would be complete without jadeite jade. Revered as the imperial gem, jadeite embodies the very soul of Chinese culture. The ancient sage Confucius likened jade to the qualities of a gentleman—benevolence, wisdom, righteousness, humility, and courage. Jadeite, the most precious variety of jade, carries these connotations with intensified power. Its colors, too, speak the language of good fortune: vibrant green evokes spring and vitality, while lavenders suggest elegance and nobility. To wear jadeite during the New Year is to clothe oneself in auspiciousness—to carry, quite literally, the blessings of heaven and earth into the days ahead.
二、翡翠——帝王之玉，萬福之宗
談論新春首飾，怎能不提翡翠？被尊為「帝王玉」的翡翠，體現了中華文化的靈魂。至聖先師孔子以玉喻君子之德——仁、智、義、禮、信。翡翠，作為玉中最為珍貴的品種，將這些內涵以更強烈的力量傳達出來。其顏色本身亦訴說著吉祥的語言：鮮翠的綠色象徵春天與生機，溫婉的紫羅蘭色則寓意高貴與優雅。新春之際佩戴翡翠，是將祥瑞穿戴於身——實實在在地，將天地之祝福攜入未來的歲月。
The Jadeite Bangle (玉镯) — Protection and Eternity
Perhaps the most iconic form of Chinese jewelry, the jadeite bangle is believed to protect the wearer and ward off harm. Its circular form has no beginning and no end, symbolizing eternity and the unbroken cycle of blessings. For New Year’s gatherings, a vibrant green or lavender bangle adds a touch of traditional elegance to any ensemble while serving as a protective talisman.
翡翠手鐲 — 護佑與永恆
或許是中國最具標誌性的首飾形式，翡翠手鐲被認為能護佑佩戴者、抵禦災厄。其環形無始無終，象徵永恆與福澤綿延不絕。新春團聚之際，一隻鮮翠或柔紫的玉鐲，能為任何裝扮增添一抹傳統的優雅，同時作為隨身的護身符。
Jadeite Pendants with Auspicious Motifs (吉祥紋樣吊墜)
The power of jadeite lies not only in the stone itself, but in the forms it takes. For the New Year, certain symbols are especially resonant:
- 如意 (Ruyi) — “As You Wish”: Represents the fulfillment of all desires.
- 貔貅 (Pixiu) — The Wealth Guardian: Attracts and safeguards prosperity.
- 金魚 (Koi) — Abundance: Symbolizes surplus in all things (年年有餘).
- 壽桃 (Longevity Peach) — Health and Long Life: Perfect for honoring elders.
翡翠吉祥紋樣吊墜
翡翠的力量，不僅在於玉石本身，更在於它所呈現的形態。新春之際，以下幾種符號尤其具有共鳴：
- 如意：代表一切心願的實現。
- 貔貅：吸引並守護財運。
- 金魚：象徵年年有餘。
- 壽桃：寄託對長輩健康長壽的祝福。
Part III: Gold — The Metal of Prosperity and Radiance
Gold has been synonymous with wealth and prosperity across cultures, but in Chinese tradition, its significance runs even deeper. The Chinese word for gold,金 (jin), sounds like the word for “today” or “now,” and its brilliant yellow color echoes the imperial robes of emperors. During the New Year, gold jewelry is believed to attract wealth and illuminate the path to success. Unlike the subtle glow of jade, gold makes a bold, joyful statement—perfect for the celebratory atmosphere of the Spring Festival.
三、黃金——財富與光輝的金屬
黃金，在世界各文化中皆與財富同義，但在中國傳統中，其意義更為深遠。「金」字發音同「今」，其璀璨的黃色與帝王龍袍相呼應。新春之際佩戴黃金首飾，被認為能招納財富，照亮成功之路。不同於翡翠的溫潤內斂，黃金以奪目之姿，歡慶新春佳節。
Gold Bangles and Bracelets (金镯/金链) — Layered Blessings
Many Chinese women wear multiple gold bangles during the New Year—the more, the better. The clinking sound they make is said to scare away evil spirits, while the accumulated weight represents accumulated wealth. Whether worn stacked on the wrist or as a substantial chain, gold jewelry announces joy and prosperity with every movement.
金鐲 / 金鏈 — 層層疊疊的祝福
許多華人女性在新春之際會佩戴數隻金鐲——多多益善。行走時金鐲碰撞發出的清脆聲響，據說能驅散邪靈；而累積的重量，則象徵著財富的疊加。無論是層疊於腕間，還是作為一條沉甸甸的金鏈，黃金首飾舉手投足間，盡顯喜慶與富足。
Gold Pendants with Auspicious Characters (吉祥字句金吊坠)
Gold pendants featuring Chinese characters are particularly popular for New Year:
- 福 (Fu) — Blessing: The most ubiquitous symbol of good fortune.
- 禄 (Lu) — Prosperity: Represents official salary and career success.
- 寿 (Shou) — Longevity: Often given to elders.
- 喜 (Xi) — Happiness: Double happiness (囍) for weddings and joyous occasions.
吉祥字句金吊墜
刻有吉祥文字的黃金吊墜，在新春期間尤受歡迎：
- 福：最普遍的吉祥符號。
- 祿：代表俸祿與事業成功。
- 壽：常贈予長輩。
- 喜：雙喜用於婚慶等喜事。
The Zodiac Animal (生肖金饰) — Personal Protection
Each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals. Wearing a gold pendant of the current year’s animal—or one’s own birth animal—is believed to bring particular protection and luck. As we welcome the new year, adorning oneself with its symbolic animal creates a powerful connection to the cosmic cycle.
生肖金飾 — 個人守護
每一年都與十二生肖中的一個動物相關聯。佩戴當年生肖的金吊墜，或是佩戴自己的本命生肖，被認為能帶來特別的護佑與好運。新春之際，以新歲的生肖符號裝點自己，能與天地宇宙的循環建立強大的連結。
Part IV: Silver — Purity, Warding, and Timeless Elegance
While gold dazzles with brilliance, silver captivates with its cool, pure glow. In Chinese tradition, silver has long been associated with warding off evil. It is believed that silver can detect and neutralize toxins, making it a protective metal for body and spirit. Its white color symbolizes purity, clarity, and the fresh start of a new year. For those who prefer understated elegance, silver offers a perfect balance of tradition and modernity.
四、銀飾——純淨、辟邪與永恆的優雅
黃金以燦爛奪目，白銀則以其清冷純淨的光澤動人心魄。在中國傳統中，白銀長期與辟邪相聯繫。人們相信銀能檢測並中和毒素，是護佑身心之金屬。其潔白的色澤，象徵純淨、清明與新春的萬象更新。對於偏愛含蓄優雅者，銀飾提供了傳統與現代之間的完美平衡。
Silver Cuffs and Bangles (银镯) — Quiet Protection
Like their jade and gold counterparts, silver bangles are worn for protection. Their cool touch against the skin is soothing, and their lustrous surface catches light softly. Often engraved with simple auspicious patterns—bats (蝠, symbolizing福), clouds, or geometric designs—silver bangles are versatile pieces suitable for daily wear throughout the festive season.
銀鐲 — 靜謐的守護
與玉鐲、金鐲相似，銀鐲亦為護佑而佩戴。其清涼觸感撫慰人心，溫潤光澤柔和悅目。銀鐲上常鐫刻簡潔的吉祥紋樣——蝙蝠（蝠音同「福」）、祥雲或幾何圖案——使其成為節日期間適合日常佩戴的百搭單品。
Silver Lock Pendants (银锁) — Safeguarding Children’s Spirits
One of the most touching traditions in Chinese culture is the giving of silver lock pendants to children. These locks, often engraved with “长命富贵” (changming fugui, “long life and wealth”), are believed to “lock” the child’s soul to the body, protecting them from illness and harm. Worn during New Year visits, they express a family’s deepest wishes for their youngest members.
銀鎖 — 護佑孩童心神
中華文化中最動人的傳統之一，便是為孩童佩戴銀鎖。這些鎖片上常鐫刻「長命富貴」字樣，據信能將孩子的靈魂「鎖」在身體上，庇佑其免受疾病與災厄侵擾。新春拜年之際，孩子佩戴銀鎖，寄託了家族對晚輩最深切的祝福。
Part V: Gemstones and Pearls — The Language of Color
Beyond jade, gold, and silver, other gemstones and pearls offer their own symbolic languages, speaking through color and form. Each hue carries specific wishes for the new year.
五、寶石與珍珠——色彩的語言
除翡翠、黃金與白銀之外，其他寶石與珍珠亦以其色彩與形態，訴說著各自的象徵語言。每一種色調，都承載著對新年的特定祝願。
Ruby and Red Spinels (红宝石/红色尖晶石) — Vitality and Joy
Red is the color of the New Year—the color of firecrackers, envelopes, and festive decorations. Red gemstones like ruby and red spinel embody this vibrant energy. They represent vitality, passion, and the life force that drives away winter’s cold. A ruby ring or pendant worn during the New Year amplifies the wearer’s personal power and attracts joyful experiences.
紅寶石 / 紅色尖晶石 — 活力與喜悅
紅色是新年的顏色——鞭炮、紅包與節日裝飾的色彩。紅寶石與紅色尖晶石等紅色寶石，體現了這種蓬勃的能量。它們代表活力、熱情，以及驅散冬日嚴寒的生命力。新春之際佩戴一枚紅寶石戒指或吊墜，能增強佩戴者的個人能量，吸引喜樂之事。
Pearls (珍珠) — Purity and Wisdom
Formed within the living body of an oyster, pearls represent the transformation of adversity into beauty. Their round, flawless form symbolizes completeness and perfection. In Chinese culture, pearls have long been associated with wisdom, clarity, and feminine grace. A strand of pearls, worn close to the neck, offers a touch of refined elegance to New Year festivities.
珍珠 — 純淨與智慧
孕育於活體牡蠣之中，珍珠象徵著將磨難轉化為美麗。其圓潤無瑕的形態，代表圓滿與完美。在中國文化中，珍珠長久以來與智慧、清明及女性優雅相聯繫。一串珍珠項鍊，貼頸佩戴，為新春佳節增添一抹精緻的優雅。
Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli (绿松石/青金石) — Wisdom and Healing
The blues and greens of turquoise and lapis lazuli evoke the heavens and the seas. These stones have been treasured across civilizations for their protective and healing properties. Worn during the New Year, they promote tranquility, wisdom, and spiritual clarity—perfect for setting mindful intentions for the months ahead.
綠松石 / 青金石 — 智慧與療癒
綠松石與青金石的藍綠色調，令人聯想起蒼穹與大海。這些寶石自古以來便因其護佑與療癒特性而備受珍視。新春佩戴，有助於促進平和、智慧與靈性清明——為來年設定正念意圖，再適合不過。
Part VI: How to Choose Your New Year Jewelry
For those new to the world of auspicious jewelry, the variety can be overwhelming. Here are a few guiding principles to help you select pieces that resonate with your intentions.
六、如何選擇您的新春首飾
對於吉祥首飾世界的新手而言，琳琅滿目的選擇可能令人卻步。以下幾項原則，可幫助您選擇與個人心願共鳴的飾品。
Consider the Recipient (考虑佩戴者)
- For elders: Jadeite or gold pieces with longevity motifs (peach, shou character).
- For children: Silver locks or small zodiac pendants.
- For partners: Gold or jadeite with double happiness (囍) symbols.
- For oneself: Choose what speaks to your aspirations for the new year.
考量佩戴對象
- 為長輩：選擇帶有長壽紋樣（壽桃、壽字）的翡翠或黃金飾品。
- 為孩童：選擇銀鎖或小型生肖吊墜。
- 為伴侶：選擇帶有雙喜字樣的黃金或翡翠飾品。
- 為自己：選擇能與您對新年的期許產生共鳴的飾品。
Match the Metal to the Message (金属与寓意相配)
- Gold: For bold statements of wealth and success.
- Jadeite: For deep cultural connection and protective blessings.
- Silver: For subtle elegance and quiet warding.
- Gemstones: For specific color energies and personal resonance.
金屬與寓意相配
- 黃金：適合對財富與成功的明確表達。
- 翡翠：適合對文化傳承的深刻連結與護佑祝福。
- 白銀：適合含蓄優雅與靜謐的守護。
- 寶石：適合特定的色彩能量與個人共鳴。
Trust Your Intuition (随心选择)
Ultimately, the jewelry you choose should evoke a feeling of joy, protection, or hope. The most powerful piece is not necessarily the most expensive, but the one that resonates with your heart’s intentions for the new year.
随心選擇
最終，您選擇的首飾應能喚起喜悅、庇佑或希望之感。最有力的飾品，未必是最昂貴的，而是能與您內心對新年的期許產生共鳴的那一件。
Part VII: Caring for Your Auspicious Jewelry
To ensure your New Year jewelry remains vibrant for years to come, proper care is essential.
七、養護您的吉祥首飾
為確保您的新春首飾在未來歲月裡常保光華，妥善養護必不可少。
Jadeite (翡翠)
Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Store separately to prevent scratching. Most importantly, wear it with intention—jadeite absorbs the energy of its wearer.
翡翠
以柔軟濕布輕輕擦拭清潔。避免接觸刺激性化學物質與極端溫度。單獨存放以防刮傷。最重要的是，用心佩戴——翡翠會吸收佩戴者的能量。
Gold and Silver (金银)
Polish with a soft, lint-free cloth. Store in airtight containers to prevent tarnishing (for silver). Remove during heavy physical activity to prevent damage.
黃金與白銀
以柔軟、不起毛的布擦拭。存放於密封容器中以防銀飾氧化。從事劇烈體力活動時取下，以防損壞。
Gemstones and Pearls (宝石与珍珠)
Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for porous stones like turquoise. Keep away from perfumes and hairsprays.
寶石與珍珠
佩戴後以柔軟濕布擦拭珍珠，去除油脂。對於綠松石等多孔寶石，避免使用超聲波清洗機。遠離香水與髮膠。
Conclusion: Adorn Your Hopes, Welcome the Year
As the old year yields to the new, we have the opportunity to set intentions, invite blessings, and connect with the deepest currents of our culture. Auspicious jewelry, in its luminous beauty and profound symbolism, offers a tangible way to do all of this. Whether you choose jadeite’s ancient elegance, gold’s radiant promise, silver’s quiet protection, or gemstones’ vibrant energy, each piece carries within it the hopes of generations—and the promise of a bright and fortunate year to come.
May the year ahead be filled with健康 (health),财富 (wealth), and和谐 (harmony). And may the jewelry you choose, worn close to the heart, remind you always of the enduring blessings that surround you.
結語：佩戴心之所願，迎接嶄新一年
當舊歲已矣，新元肇啟，我們有機會設定意圖、邀納福澤、並與文化最深層的脈絡相連。吉祥首飾，以其溫潤的光華與深刻的象徵意義，為我們提供了一種觸及這一切的有形方式。無論您選擇翡翠的古雅、黃金的璀璨、白銀的靜謐守護，還是寶石的繽紛能量，每一件作品都承載著世代相傳的祈願——以及對來年光明與好運的應許。
願新的一年，健康、財富、和諧充盈您的生活。願您選擇的首飾，貼心佩戴，常伴左右，時時提醒您：福澤綿長，與您同行。
