For those of us who celebrate Chinese New Year, kumquat trees, bamboo stalks and pussy willows should be familiar to you. Every year, we buy pots and stalks of these plants to fill our homes, in hope of bringing us luck in the new year.
So we’ve done some research on what certain flowers and plants symbolise in Chinese culture and feng shui, because hey, when it comes to luck, we’ll do what we can. It’ll be a bonus if it actually works, right?
Plus, us being the kiasu women we are, we’ve found a way for you to bring this “luck” with you wherever you go – in the form of perfumes, of course!
Here’s how you can boost your luck with the right perfume in the year of the goat, enjoy!
#1 ROMANCE: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede
If you’re hoping for more luck in the romance department this year, the peony flower is what you need. The peony is known as the “king of flowers” in Chinese culture, representing feminine beauty and elegance. In particular, red peonies are believed to be especially lucky for those seeking a partner.
This year, get yourself a bottle of Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede, a scent which brings to mind images of peonies in voluptuous bloom. This flirtatious fragrance opens with a bite of a juicy red apple, then the middle notes of peony, jasmine, carnation and rose take over, slowly warming with the sensuality of soft, blush suede.
#2 CAREER & WEALTH: Fresh Honeysuckle
Those familiar with Chinese culture might find this an odd pick for someone seeking better career development and wealth, since the flower is widely said to represent a beautiful woman.
According to fengshui expert Lillian Too, it’s said that magnolias grown in “the back garden (of a home) symbolises hidden jewels, or the gradual accumulation of great wealth.”
You’ll find magnolia in the middle notes of Fresh’s latest fragrance, Honeysuckle. Put this on your desk and spritz it throughout the day. The perfume can also be used to represent the water element. Water symbolises income and profits, as said by feng shui expert Joey Yap in a recent feng shui and astrology seminar.
Beliefs aside, we find this light and clean scent very refreshing, so take a whiff of it when you need to clear a cluttered mind.
#3 HEALTH: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Bamboo
If you’re a fan of period dramas, think about all the backdrops, art and paintings you’ve seen in them – the bamboo is always a common feature. That’s because the bamboo is believed to be able to to ward off negative energy, and is a sign of longevity, resilience and strength. In feng shui, placing three lucky bamboo stalks at home is also said to bring you happiness, a long life and wealth.
Bamboo fragrances are rare in Singapore, so you might have to wait a few months to get your hands on Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea Bamboo, a fragrance which aims to capture the spirit of traditional bamboo gardens. This sparkling fragrance is a combination of zesty citrus fruits – lemon, grapefruit and bergamot – as well as fresh greens such as cucumber, bamboo and of course, green tea. All this in a musky, woody base - an instant mood lifter!
Some good news for those jetting off this Chinese New Year (you lucky bunch!), you’ll be able to call dibs on this at duty free – it’s currently a travel exclusive. For the rest of us, it will hit stores in Singapore end July.
#4 PROSPERITY: Penhaligon’s Lily of the valley
For all round luck this year, choose a fragrance with lily in it. Growing the flower in your home represents an abundance of good luck in feng shui. In Chinese culture, it also symbolises harmony and happiness, and is said to be commonly present at weddings.
Our perfume pick for this actually has to do with the lily’s distant cousin, the lily of the valley, which is more commonly used in perfume instead. Interestingly, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s wedding bouquet was almost entirely made up of lily of the valley. Following the “language of flowers”, popularised by Queen Victoria, the lily of the valley means “trustworthy”.
We like Penhaligon’s Lily of the valley, one of the brand’s most popular scents, which opens with soft touches of citrusy bergamot. Floral elements of rose, ylang ylang, jasmine and lily of the valley are found in the heart, with a sandalwood and oakmoss base.
Talk about all round luck and harmony! So, what’s your choice of perfume this year?
For more information about Lillian Too, visit www.lillian-too.com and www.wofs.com. Follow World of Feng Shui on Facebook.
For more information about Joey Yap, visit www.joeyyap.com and follow him on Facebook.
Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, $105 for 30ml, is available at all Jo Malone stores and counters. For more information, visit www.jomalone.com.sg, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Fresh Honeysuckle EDP, $144, is available from the Fresh store in ION Orchard and at Sephora. For more information, visit www.fresh.com, and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Bamboo EDT, price unavailable, will be available end July at all Elizabeth Arden counters. For more information, visit http://www.elizabetharden.sg/, and follow the brand on Facebook.
Penhaligon’s Lily of the valley EDT, $153 for 50ml, is available at the Penhaligon’s store in ION Orchard. For more information, visit http://www.penhaligons.com/, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.