The lion dance is performed during the Lunar New Year, and is associated with the legend of Nian, a bestial creature that terrorised a village in China. According to legend, on the eve of every Lunar New Year, an unidentifiable animal would destroy the fields, crops and animals belonging to the villagers. They named it Nian, meaning “year” in Chinese.

Over time, the villagers discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises, bright lights and the colour red. In order to put a stop to the ravaging, they made a model of the creature out of bamboo and paper, had two fearless men manipulate it, and loudly beat instruments and set off firecrackers. Nian was successfully driven away.

Henceforth, the lion dance was performed on the eve of Lunar New Year with drums, cymbals and gongs. Believed to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune and wealth, it is also performed during auspicious occasions such as the launch of new businesses and welcoming of important persons.

A Chinese pavilion is a structure without walls but with columns supporting the roof. Usually built using wood, stone or bamboo, they are often categorised according to their shape when viewed from above. Round pavilions signify perfection and unity, rectangular pavilions denote laws and regulations, and hexagonal ones signify longevity. The colours of the roof tiles are also significant – red symbolises good fortune and joy, green represents vigour and longevity, while yellow corresponds with earth and is the imperial colour.

Native to East Asia, chrysanthemums or “mums” belong to the Asteraceae or sunflower family and consist of over 200 species, with more varieties being developed each year. They come in a wide spectrum of colours, sizes and forms.

Obsessed with the chrysanthemum, the Greeks called it “Gold Flower”, picking the words chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower) for its name. Its refined beauty also makes it one of the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese and East Asian art. 

A flowering shrub in the genus Rhododendron, Azalea is part of the Ericaceae family and native to several continents – Asia, Europe and North America. Its showy, white, red or pink flowers bloom in spring and often last for several weeks.