祿 Fortune

Our next blessing is a popular one in any culture: Fortune. It’s taken to a whole new level during Lunar New Year. Traditionally, families hang decorative coins from their eaves to hail the arrival of new wealth. It’s also common for families to hide a coin in the New Year's dumplings. Whoever finds the coin is blessed with an entire year of good fortune. “Wishes for riches” is a common New Year expression (gongxifacai). Of course, the Chinese character for fortune (祿) overflows with meaning: it’s an evolved pictograph for a bottomless well—a metaphor for endless bounty. That’s why Apple Music makes fortune the centre of our sixth Lunar New Year playlist. Enjoy this collection of new hits and classic songs, and be sure to share it with family—it’s a great way to spread the wishes for wealth around.