Flowers also play a leading role in the Lunar New Year tradition.
Peach blossoms, narcissi, peonies and pussy willow are sold at the annual New Year flower market in Hong Kong's Victoria Park. All symbolise good luck and prosperity, as does the miniature orange, or kumquat plant with its gold-coloured fruit. Kum sounds the same as the Chinese for gold. Visitors to Asia are also likely to come across a lion dance, the colourful, noisy and athletic display aimed at frightening away evil spirits and bringing good luck. Most hotels have a lion troupe performing in the lobby while, in the traditional villages, the troupe moves from house to house in rhythmic ceremony.