Decorating with Plants， Fruits and Flowers for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a （1） 　　（celebrate） marking the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring．This is why decorating with plants， fruits and flowers（2） 　　（carry） special significance．They represent the earth （3） 　　（come） back to life and best wishes for new beginnings．

These are some of the most popular in many parts of the country：

Oranges：Orange trees are more（4） 　　decoration；they are a symbol of good fortune and wealth．They make great gifts and you see them many times（5） 　　（decorate） with red envelopes and messages of good fortune．

Bamboo：Chinese love their "Lucky Bamboo" plants and you will see them often in their homes and offices．（6） 　　（certain） during the holiday period，this plant is a must．Bamboo plants are associated （7） 　　health， abundance and a happy home．They are easy（8） 　　（care） for and make great presents．

Branches of Plum Blossoms （梅花）：The（9） 　　（beauty） long branches covered with pink﹣colored buds （蓓蕾） make fantastic decorations．The plum trees are （10） 　　first to flower even as the snow is melting （融化）．They represent the promise of spring and a renewal of life．