Corundum Conundrum

On January 23 2023, many Asian communities will celebrate the most important day of the year—the Lunar New Year. Here is everything you need to know about the significance of the colour red in the festive season when it comes to jewellery

By Amrita Katara

Every year, Asian communities around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, accompanied by unique ceremonies and beliefs. But one thing remains constant across borders, clans, generations and traditions—the colour red. The vibrant colour holds a significant place in Chinese culture particularly, as it represents good luck, vitality and prosperity. “Legend has it that a beast known as a nian would emerge on Chinese New Year’s Eve to devour villagers, livestock and crops,” says Stewart Young, director of jewellery and head of jewellery Asia at Bonhams. “[Certain] villagers heard that the nian were scared of children dressed in red; since then, we [Chinese communities] have hung red lanterns and scrolls with couplets to keep the mythical monster away for another year. The nian dance, or lion dance, is performed every Chinese…

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Tatler Hong Kong (Digital) - 1 Issue, January 2023

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