Chinese 全盒 Hanyu Pinyin Jyutping cyun4 hap6 | Literal meaning complete box Yale Romanization chyun4 haap6 | |
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Chinese candy box is a traditional box used during Chinese New Year for storing candy and other edible goods. The box usually has a lid; some are more fancy and elaborate than others. It is usually colored with a red or black motif, since traditional candy boxes were lacquerware. Also red symbolizes good fortune and joy (see Color in Chinese culture). Due to the higher price of lacquerware, most modern Chinese candy boxes are made of plastic, but some of them are still made of lacquerware.
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Occasions
The box is generally used for Chinese New Year, though some regional Chinese cultures may use it for other important events such as Chinese marriages. Usually it consists of 8 or 6 (Chinese auspicious lucky numbers) kinds of sugar preserved dried fruits or even dried vegetables like the bittergourd.