Ring in the Chinese New Year this 2021 with Gardens’ By The Bay’s Dahlia Dreams showcase from 15 January to 21 February! I had the privilege of visiting Dahlia Dreams this weekend, and I absolutely enjoyed it. If you’re looking to do something different this Chinese New Year, why not head on down?
Entering the Flower Dome
Entering the cooled dome, I was greeted by the sight of an archway with the Chinese idiom ‘hua kai fu gui’, which translates to ‘When flowers bloom, prosperity comes.’ Flower displays surrounding it, it made for a great photo spot. A familiar Chinese New Year song gently played in the background, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
As I continued into the dome, a collection of signboards caught my eye. These signboards are set up throughout the dome, featuring Chinese sayings and information about the Chinese Zodiac. Traditionally, Chinese words are written from the top down instead of next to each other, and read from the left column to the right column. There are twelve animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac one can be born under.
In Chinese folklore, legend has it that there was once a celestial race in which the first twelve animals to reach the finish line would be designated as celestial calendar signs. The order of the zodiac was determined by the order in which the animals crossed the finish line.
This year is the year of the Ox, the second animal in the Chinese Zodiac and near the beginning of the zodiac cycle. It is said that people born under the sign of the ox are reliable, strong and hardworking.
On the path
The main highlight of the Flower Dome came at the base of the attraction. A traditional Chinese backdrop of dahlias and butterflies adorned with Chinese idioms welcomed me to explore the path ahead.
Dahlias symbolise inner strength and staying kind under pressure. Indeed, the value of staying kind to others despite hardship cannot be understated in today’s society.
Over 2000 dahlias are on display in the Flower Dome, each being from a different species. Their pink-hued appearance brightened up the dome, painting it with a splash of colour. Pink is considered to be a shade of red in Chinese culture, symbolising fortune and joy.
Walking further down the path, I spotted the golden ox statues that seamlessly blended into the foliage. As the Chinese saying goes, ‘Good things come in pairs’, so do the oxen statues. This tradition is prevalent even today, hence why people give oranges in pairs during Chinese New Year.
Beside the oxen statues was a lantern stand pointing the way towards the Lantern Globe. As eight is a lucky number to the Chinese, the lantern stand is arranged to have exactly eight lanterns on it. Eight in Chinese is pronounced similar to the Chinese word for fortune, and is associated with prosperity.
The Lantern Globe
The biggest attraction in the Flower Dome is the Lantern Globe. Ironically shaped like a dome, you could say you’re in a dome within a dome! The globe is decorated with lanterns on all sides, and is one of the most popular photo spots. The circular golden archway beckoned me towards the symmetrical lantern display.
Indeed, looking up at the sky framed by red lanterns is a surreal experience like no other. Lanterns are an integral part of Chinese culture, and it was no surprise to find them as the centerpiece of the showcase.
Nestled behind stalks of dahlias, the Lantern Globe looks majestic. I stopped for a moment to take in the sight, transfixed by the red lanterns and the vibrant dahlias. There is beauty in simplicity here, and it is truly captivating.
The Lion Dance Display
While we can’t have live lion dances this year, the Flower Dome makes up for it with its impressive red and yellow lions arranged in different poses. It is said that lions ward off evil spirits in Chinese culture, and it is good luck to have them around.
The Chinese Pavilion
Lastly, I paid a visit to the Flower Dome’s Chinese pavilion. Modeled after the palace pavilions of old China, it is surrounded by red dahlias and a carving of a mythical creature. Hexagonal pavilions symbolise longevity, and the red and green colours denote good fortune and vigour.
A conservational message
While the Flower Dome was beautiful, the conservational message at the end was a sobering reminder that the pretty dahlias and plants I saw today could one day become endangered plant species. We can all do our part for the environment by living sustainably. Instead of paper red packets, why not consider using e-red packets instead? Chinese New Year is a time for family and celebration, and if you’re considering an outing for the family, Dahlia Dreams is sure to delight!
Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-9pm
