3 places to get Chinese New Year decorations that point to Christ’s presence
Leong Sook Ting // January 19, 2023, 5:17 pm
“It may be a small decorative item that you have on your door or in your home, but for the neighbours and visitors or even people passing by, they represent a witness of the Christian culture and values," said Lilian Zhao on Chinese New Year decorations with a Christian message. Photo courtesy of The Chopsticks Store.
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, many of us are probably busy putting up festive decorations to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
For Lilian Zhao, who owns The Chopsticks Store with her husband, these New Year decorations play an important role in her home.
“To me, it is important that they bear witness to what Christians believe in, what we are like and how we live our lives,” said Lilian, whose shop in Chinatown sells festive decorations with Christian messages.
“It may be a small decorative item that you have on your door or in your home, but for the neighbours and visitors or even people passing by, they represent a witness of the Christian culture and values.”
Who knows? These creative decorations may just be a conversation starter that will allow you to share the greatest source of blessing in your life.
If you’re up for some last-minute Chinese New Year decoration shopping, here are three places where you can grab some refreshing designs that point to the hope, joy and blessings of Christ.
1. The Chopsticks Store (39 Pagoda Street)
At The Chopsticks Store, there is a host of Bible-inspired Chinese New Year decorations prayerfully designed by owners Moses and Lilian Zhao. Photos courtesy of the Zhaos.
Instead of the usual traditional greetings like 恭喜发财 (wishing you prosperity and good fortune) and 身体健康 (wishing you good health), why not hang up ones like 恩典满满 (full of God’s grace) and 主爱常随 (may God’s love follow you always)?
“We hope that our products will bring joy, purpose and meaning, and leave an impact on whoever sees them.”
At The Chopsticks Store (formerly Orchid Chopsticks), which has created quite a buzz in recent years, you can find Bible-inspired decorations like duilian, chunlian (Chinese New Year couplets), red packets and paper cuttings, from $4 onwards.
Many of their decorations also have English words so that their English-speaking customers can better grasp the deep meanings behind each product.
In previous interviews with Salt&Light, owner Moses Zhao, 51 and his wife, Lilian, 49, said that they draw inspiration for their designs through prayer and reading the Bible.
To them, selling these designs has gone beyond just making a living. Instead, it is an intentional way to bless their customers.
“We hope that our products will bring joy, purpose and meaning, and leave an impact on whoever sees them,” Lilian told Salt&Light last year.
“We hope that they will bear testimony of what we believe, and that having our products in their home will remind our customers that God is with them.”
Address:
The Chopsticks Store
39 Pagoda Street
Singapore 059198
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
Tel: 6635-6683
2. The Commandment Co (Bras Basah Complex)
The Commandment Co offers rich and meaningful Christian Chinese New Year greetings from just $7.90. Photos from The Commandment Co’s website.
Adorn your front door with the meaningful greetings 主爱盈屋 (May God’s love fill your home)，出入蒙福 (May you be blessed in your coming and going), 神恩满溢 (May God’s grace overflow) and 主赐平安 (May God’s peace be upon you) at just $24.90 from The Commandment Co.
The shop, which can be found both online and at Bras Basah Complex, is also selling Chinese New Year couplets declaring blessings of peace, joy and praise, along with CNY-themed pillows, pouches, stickers and hongbaos that can add more festive cheer. Prices range from $7.90 onwards.
Founded by Edwin Lim, 37, and his wife, Li Ling, 36, The Commandment Co started with postcards before growing into a homeware, bags, apparel and accessories shop specialising in products featuring Bible verses and witty sayings.
Its best-known range features verses and encouragement wittily placed on designs that echo the packaging of supermarket provisions such as luncheon meat cans, chocolate wrappers and detergent bottles.
In an interview with Salt&Light in 2021, the pair shared their passion for making the Gospel accessible to all through their designs.
“The Commandment Co is a calling,” said Edwin. “I pray over the whole business that we will always remember why we’re doing what we’re doing. Every product is birthed from focusing on that larger purpose.”
Address:
231 Bain Street (Bras Basah Complex)
#04-41
Singapore 180231
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 12pm –7.00pm**
Saturday: 12.30pm–6.30pm
Closed: Sunday & Public Holidays
Email: [email protected]
** Temporary change in operating hours
3. Mount Hermon Christian Books & Gifts (West Coast Plaza)
Mount Hermon Christian Books & Gifts include many decorations that are in English. Photo courtesy of Mount Hermon Christian Books & Gifts.
For those who prefer English greetings, Mount Hermon Christian Books & Gifts has a variety to choose from, including Christian greetings and Bible verses. Prices start from $5.90 onwards.
Photo courtesy of Mount Hermon Christian Books & Gifts.
Address:
154 West Coast Road
#01-77 (West Coast Plaza)
Singapore 127371
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