Chinese New Year face masks keep you safe and lucky, and help avoid those searching marriage questions
- Bring in the Year of the Ox in safety and style with these Chinese New Year-themed face masks
- From the god of wealth to mahjong and the lucky cat, these masks go beyond keeping infection at bay
Wearing a face mask is a preventive measure to help protect ourselves – and others. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, some companies have come up with fun and festive face coverings that promise not only to bring good fortune but also to ward off bad luck and even inquisitive relatives.
Here is a selection to help you usher in the Year of the Ox safely and in style.
Papery.art
Despite the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures, Caishen, the Chinese god of wealth, will be making an appearance – in PPE. Papery.art, a company based in Hong Kong, offers face shields that are decorated with auspicious prints such as Maneki-neko (or lucky cat); one of the designs comes with a headdress that makes it appear it is being worn by Caishen.
The kumquat is a ‘lucky’ Lunar New Year fruit packed with vitamins
This face shield is designed to keep droplets away from the eyes, nose and mouth.
Made with high quality paper, the decorative elements on the face shields can be removed and reused. The plastic visor can also be detached, allowing it to be used as a sun visor, so you can still use it when the pandemic fades.
Wheniwasfour
Dreading the prying questions from your aunties and uncles? Let your face mask do the talking. These face masks are must-haves for those who are tired of answering the same personal questions from gossipy relatives during the festive season. Choose from phrases including:
“Kung Hei Fat Choi, I don’t have a boyfriend yet. Nor do I have a girlfriend.”
“Kung Hei Fat Choi, I have no plan to get married yet.”
“Kung Hei Fat Choi, I haven’t planned to start a family yet.”
The answers printed on the masks, designed by a Singapore-based studio, are fun and witty, and you can make a polite statement without upsetting anyone.
Howmask
To all you mahjong addicts out there – and many will no doubt be playing this ancient Chinese game around the clock over the holiday – these face masks, which are made in Taiwan, feature motifs of tiles and the four suits, and are just the kind of auspicious accessory to bring you luck at the mahjong table.
Printed in red, a lucky colour in Chinese culture, the masks also have vibrant motifs for the fashion conscious. You can mix and match your wardrobe with these masks without looking (too) out of place, especially during the new year. The floral patterns also represent “May prosperity blossom”, a traditional new year greeting.
Mask Factory
In a collaboration with Mak Ling-ling, one of the best known feng shui masters in Hong Kong, Mask Factory incorporated Chinese metaphysics in the design of its Chinese New Year face masks.
Four series of face masks are designed to boost your chances of wealth, health, love and career in the year of the Ox. Six face masks patterns, ranging from pencils to books, and cash to Chinese gold ingot Yuanbao, feature in each series.
The face masks also come with a booklet with tips from Mak to help you create good luck. A gift box version makes a nice seasonal present for your family and friends.
