A Chinese candy box is a traditional box used during Chinese New Year for storing candy and other edible goods. The box usually has a lid; some are more fancy and elaborate than others. It is usually colored with a red or black motif, since traditional candy boxes were lacquerware. Also red symbolizes good fortune and joy (see Color in Chinese culture). Due to the higher price of lacquerware, most modern Chinese candy boxes are made of plastic, but some of them are still made of lacquerware.
Occasions
The box is generally used for Chinese New Year, though some regional Chinese cultures may use it for other important events such as Chinese marriages. Usually it consists of 8 or 6 (Chinese auspicious lucky numbers) kinds of sugar preserved dried fruits or even dried vegetables like the bittergourd.
Items stored
Chocolate coins
Dried candied lotus root
Dried candied lotus seed
Melon seed
Dried candied kumquat
Dried candied pineapple
Dried candied coconut
Dried candied carrot slices
Dried candied ginger
Dried candied water chestnut
Dried candied winter melon táng dōng guā (lit. candied winter melon) Dried peanuts