Chinatown Shop Owners in Singapore Introduce Innovative Designs: Christian Values Integrated into Traditional Lunar New Year Decorations
The well-known Singapore Chinatown shop “Orchid Chopsticks” has drawn attention for launching Christian-themed Lunar New Year decorations. Shop owner Zhao Hongjun creatively combined
Bible verses with traditional Chinese couplets—for instance, replacing the magpie, a symbol of good news, with a dove, and incorporating biblical elements such as the olive tree. His bilingual
paper-cut design “Fruit of the Spirit” and couplets featuring Psalm 121:8 preserve the essence of Chinese culture while conveying Christian faith.
Zhao revealed that designing the products was challenging due to the strict tonal and structural rules of traditional couplets, admitting he was “racking his brains” over it. However, his wife
received creative inspiration through prayer. These decorations serve not only as festive ornaments but also as testimonies of faith for homes and communities. During the 2025 Lunar New
Year season, the shop saw a surge in sales, even selling out an accidentally doubled order—an outcome the Zhao couple attributes to “God’s blessing.”