What does the gladiolus have to do with Lunar New Year?

Gladiolus, a flower known for its vibrant colors and spear-like shape, can be found growing year-round. However, currently, you might find it difficult to purchase them. If you're quick enough, you might just be able to snag some of the last ones at the market.

Ruby Vo advises everyone to go early to avoid disappointment. "If you go late, you'll only get the ones that are bent," she warns. In her quiet Springvale South townhouse in Melbourne's southeast, the mother of three is meticulously arranging red gladiolus flowers in preparation for the Lunar New Year.

In the center of the living room, a tall and upright stem of gladiolus points towards the ceiling like a slow-motion comet firework. The leaves are polished to a shine, and the stems are neatly trimmed, a display the family looks forward to every year. "It's a good tradition," Ms. Vo says, "It's passed down from my parents and from their parents."

This month is a busy one for gladiolus growers and florists. Ms. Vo's family is not the only one busy with gladiolus, as communities around the world welcome the Year of the Snake. Victorian flower grower Tania Podgers says her family farm has been harvesting "larger batches" of red gladiolus (commonly known as glads) to meet the demand for Lunar New Year. "Wholesalers will get the flowers a little bit earlier before January 29," Ms. Podgers said, "We've had some hot weather and it will be busy."

This decades-old family business in southwest Victoria has never had trouble selling gladiolus at this time of year. Ms. Podgers says that last year the farm sold almost 700,000 stems in just 10 days during the Lunar New Year period. She says they wish they had "more to sell." At the other end of the production chain, Melbourne florist Sharon Ho knows well how to get the best bouquets from markets and wholesalers. She says the key is to plan weeks in advance. "If you're a florist, then you're pre-ordering. It's easy to order about 100 bunches," she says, "You really need to be quick because they do sell out. I see them sell out instantly."

While gladiolus are not native to Australia, they can be seen blooming year-round. Interestingly, they are not native to Asia either. The flower is beloved by many Asian-Australians because of its "striking appearance" and its symbolism aligns with traditional values. Macquarie University Chinese culture expert Shirley Chan says the flower was likely brought to East Asia in the early 20th century and became popular during Lunar New Year due to its "vibrant colors" representing the ideas of "progress, vitality and wealth." "Their prominence has continued to increase...because they are widely grown and easily accessible," Dr. Chan says.

Other popular flowers include orchids, peach blossoms and peonies, but Dr. Chan says these traditional flowers can be hard to get in Australia, especially at this time of year. Ms. Ho says she personally loves using gladiolus because they are versatile. "[Gladiolus] are easy to arrange...and they look grand," she says. But beyond their delicate colors and sturdy stems, Ms. Ho also cherishes the meaning behind their name. "[Gladiolus] have many buds on one stem. They open gradually from the bottom to the top. In Cantonese, the flower symbolizes the Chinese phrase 'bu bu gao sheng,' which means 'as it steadily blooms from the bottom to the top,'" she says, "It symbolizes that every step you take, you will be going upwards, progressing in personal growth, business and career."

As Ms. Vo holds her three-year-old daughter Avalyn at the table in their Springvale South home, she reflects on the broader significance of Lunar New Year for her family. "I think it's very important because that's how we grew up - with family. So, I want my kids to follow the same traditions," she says. Dr. Chan says family customs like this are very important for Asian communities in Australia as it keeps families closely connected to traditional values, especially for migrants who are navigating a "new cultural landscape." "These customs also strengthen community bonds, creating a sense of unity and belonging among people who share a common cultural background," she says, "By continuing these traditions, Asian communities contribute to the multicultural richness of Australia, fostering inclusion and promoting a greater appreciation for cultural diversity."