Bamboo, a delicate, tall plant with solid joints and hollow stem, remains green in all seasons, even in cold winter with frost and snow. People praise it as an elegant, unconventional plant with a noble character.

It is often to see an auspicious design of bamboo, pine, and plum trees, known as the three durable plants of winter, or a design of five auspicious nesses consisting of bamboo, pine, and xuanlan stone.

The Chinese character 竹 also has the meaning of 祝 (benediction or congratulation). People let off firecrackers as an auspicious symbol of peace and tranquility at New Year celebrations. In this way, they ring out the old year, usher in the new year, and welcome the approach of spring.