Tangerines are at their best during the winter months. Tangerines like Autumn Honey are in season from mid-November to mid-January, putting them right in the prime holiday season. Here is how tangerines are used in holiday celebrations around the world.
Stocking Stuffers
When we think of stocking stuffers, we think about mini trinkets or fun toiletries, but originally tangerines were the main event. For example, in the Great Depression, tangerines were used as stocking stuffers and considered a treat during the more challenging times.
The Legend of St. Nicholas
According to Smithsonian.com in the legend of St. Nicholas, he sent gold balls down the chimney of a poor man and his three daughters. Overtime, people replaced the gold balls with something sweet. That sweet treat was tangerines! These were also seen as an exotic treat for European gifts because of the rarity of citrus fruit in those climates.
Lunar New Year
Tangerines are a common food symbol for the Lunar New Year. Tangerines represent luck because the Mandarin word for “tangerine” sounds similar. On New Year’s Day, leaving Tangerines with the leaves intact symbolizes long-lasting relationships. Tangerines are given to children as gifts along with red envelopes full of of money, and they are also used for holiday decor.
Russian New Year Celebrations
In Russia, tangerines are also used as New Year’s decorations and treats.
Winter Celebrations
Many winter solstice celebrations use citrus fruits like tangerines to symbolize the sun looking forward to warmer days.
These are just some examples of how citrus fruits like the Autumn Honey Tangerine are used for the holidays. Do you use citrus fruits in your holiday traditions? Tell us how! Let’s celebrate the holiday traditions of the past and present.
Autumn Honey are the season’s first craft-cultivated tangerines, and they’re beautifully sweet and juicy. Four decades in the making and perfect for your new family tradition!
