Chinese New Year Celebration

Came across following article that i read from the Sunday Times (January 20th 2008)

There are eight items in the traditional eight treasures box that served in ALMOST every living room in regards to CNY celebration. They are

1. Peanuts
to symbolize a long line of descendants, the same way a peanut grows to yield many plant shoots

2. Melon Seeds
to symbolize a long line of descendants

3. Pistachio
to symbolize not just a long line of descendants but alos a joyous new year because the name of the nut in Mandarin literally means "a happy fruit". This is because its half-cracked shell resembles a smile

4. Candied kumquats
to symbolize a sweet,prosperous and lucky year ahead

5. Honeyed dates
to symbolize a long line of descendants and a sweet year ahead

6. Chocolates shaped like gold ingots
to symbolize great wealth

7. Candied Lotus Root
to symbolize numerous offspring

8. White rabbit candy
to symbolize a sweet and abundant year ahead