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Oranges symbolise blessings, abundance during CNY

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Tan Swee Kong, owner of Go Chin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm, sheds light on the tradition of fruit-giving during this festive season.

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Free Malaysia Today
Tan Swee Kong is the owner of Go Chin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm in Ipoh. (Bernama pic)

IPOH:
As most people know, oranges are an essential part of every Chinese New Year celebration, whether as a festive treat or as a symbolic gift to enliven the occasion.

But did you know the Chinese community believes that oranges and other citrus fruits bring blessings and prosperity for the year ahead, particularly when exchanged as gifts?

“Giving oranges is also a gesture of gratitude for support received throughout the year, whether in life or in business,” pomelo trader Tan Swee Kong told Bernama recently.

The owner of Go Chin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm here shared that the size of the fruit holds significance, as larger oranges are believed to bring greater fortune to the recipient.

Tan, 58, noted that popular choices for Chinese New Year gifts include mandarin oranges, calamansi, and pomelos.

“Mandarin oranges are known as ‘kam’ in Cantonese, which also means ‘gold’. In essence, giving a mandarin orange is akin to offering a piece of ‘gold’.

“They are typically given in generous quantities: gifting a box of mandarin oranges is like presenting a box of ‘gold’, symbolising abundant blessings for the recipient,” said the father of three.

Calamansi, meanwhile, is usually given as a potted plant. “Calamansi plants are typically used as decorative items and placed in gardens. In Cantonese, calamansi, or ‘kat’, symbolises peace or tranquility for the household,” he added.

Free Malaysia Today
Tan sells pomelos priced at between RM10 and RM30 each, depending on their size. (Bernama pic)

As for pomelos, also known as limau bali, Tan noted that their larger size makes them a popular gift during Chinese New Year, as they, too, represent abundant blessings.

“In Cantonese, they are referred to as ‘lok yau’ or ‘ta yau’ (big orange), which refers to greatness and abundance. We are fortunate in Malaysia to have the blessings to cultivate these fruits locally.”

He said pomelos are sold at his farm for between RM10 and RM30 each, depending on their size.

Talking about his business, Tan revealed that the name Go Chin had been inspired by friends of his late father, who passed away last year at age 80.

“In the past, produce from my father’s orchard would be sold to middlemen. However, as the harvests grew more plentiful, we found a way to sell directly at night markets,” Tan explained.

“When we began selling at night markets, most of the traders were Malays, and many of them became our friends. They would often say, ‘Let’s go to Chin’s orchard’ – and that’s how our orchard came to be known as Go Chin.”

Operating for over 50 years on a 1.6ha plot, Tan said his orchard also produces bananas, guava, starfruit, durians and ciku.

Follow Go Chin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm on Facebook.

Go Chin Tambun Pomelo Agro Farm
158258A, Jalan Ampang Tambun,
31400, Ipoh, Perak

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