Introduction
For those of Asian, particularly Chinese origin, the Lunar New Year or what most people know as Chinese New Year is a special occasion. Dating from January the 21st to the 20th of February it is devoted to the beginning of the lunar calendar and people celebrate this festival with passion. Thus one of the most recognizable CNY traditions is the use of special types of foods that represent good luck, auspiciousness, prosperity, and prosperity. Such blessed foods are consumed by members of the family or they are taken in feast with neighbors and relatives in order to gain good luck and fortune for the coming year.
In this article, readers will find out the list of the most favorite CNY goodies, which are symbols of prosperity that will help bring happiness and wealth into the lives of those who consume them.
1. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)
Nian Gao is served most widely during the Chinese New Year or called as sticky rice cake or the year cake. Coated mashed sweet potatoes, tapioca dessert is made from glutinous rice flour, brown sugar and water. Nian Gao means the new year has to rise higher because the sound of the characters ‘’Nien’’ and ‘’Gao’’ are sort of a homophone to the words ‘’Increase’’ and ‘’Promote’’ in Chinese. Nian Gao is consumed by families during the New Year in the hope of increasing luck as well as successes in the subsequent year. The greater the cake, the higher the fortune it brings.
2. Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Other food such as dumplings also known as “Jiaozi” in the Chinese language are also part of the celebration during CNY. Dumplings are food made using flour wrappers and can be filled with different delicacies such as pork, prawn, a mixture of vegetables or even a mixture of both. The actual form of the dumpling looks like ancient Chinese gold or silver ingot, meaning wealth. It is customary to eat the dumplings during New Year’s Eve because is believed that this act will make you rich and showered with material things.
3. Fish (Yu)
Fish is very popular during the Chinese New Year and is served whole and called ‘Yu”. Other sea food especially fish are associated with abundance and prosperity since the Mandarin pronunciation of fish is Yu, which now means surplus. It has been believed that fish consumed on New Year’s eve brings two surplus of everything – thus making fish a New Year meal. Fish dishes are also consumed at the last dish at the dinner table because ‘鱼’ the Chinese term for fish is similar to ‘余’ that translates to the remainder or surplus hence a symbol for plenty in the following year.
4. Longevity Noodles (Cháng Fèng Miàn)
The longevity noodles are used in the Chinese New Year celebration and these noodles are thin wheat noodles. These noodles are long and the Chinese believe that when one takes them during the New Year, then he or she will have good health throughout the year and even have a long life. Some places in China, especially in Southern regions, hand _{j} noodles maybe served whole, but in some parts of Guangzhou the nests are chopped shorter and stir with chopsticks in order to have no bad luck. It is advisable to take these noodles to the last grain so that you maximize your chance of getting lucky and rich.
5. Oranges (Jú)
Oranges are favorite CNY fruits, as they signify wealth, blessings, and joy. Due to their bright colours and spherical forms, the confectionery products are perfect for giving or using to decorate house during the lunar new year. The oranges are used in the family altar in a bid to pray for favor from the gods as well as the ancestors. People often exchange oranges to family and close ones because the fruit brings happiness in every moment to each other.
6. Peach Seeds (Tao Ren)
The pits of peaches are favorable symbols that denote wise ages and success amid the Chinese New Year. These seeds are used in sharing between friends, relatives among other individuals as a symbol of wishing each other a good healthy life. The seeds can be consumed raw, roasted, mashed or ground, or can be planted to cultivate trees of peach, a sign of richness.
7. Pineapple Tarts (Jui Choy Paht)
Pineapple tarts are one of the snacks associated with CNY and represent wealth, luck and prosperity. Pineapple tarts are delicious treats made from pineapple filling covered in a layer of flaky pastry A popular reason each every consumer of the pastry is believed to gain happiness in their lives, or simply good fortune. Pineapple has a unique shape and a hard rough skin like money, and the exterior hue of the fruit is yellow like money.
8. Red Eggs (Hong Zha Dan)
Another popular traditional food lucky for the Chinese during celebration of the new year is the red egg or ‘’hong zha dan’. The eggs being dyed red bring to do fertility and prosperity, hence they are given out to those that are near and dear to one. They are usually cooked by boiling and then scented and coloured either by red bean paste or red yeast rice. Like red colour, red eggs have received belief to do with fortunate, fertility and future success.
9. Whole Chicken (Jī Tiě)
The entire chicken is mainly prepared for CNY as the dish represents the reunion of the family. In Chinese, there is a special term ‘jiě fēi jiā’ which roughly translates into ‘to roast a chicken and send the family’, the idea being the whole chicken is symbolic of the bonding as the family sits down to share the meal together. Further one more feature may be distinguished – the round shape of the chicken and its resemblance to ancient Chinese coins is an indication of wealth.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is the season of wishes, happiness, and meals, because during this celebration of the New Year, people sit at the tables and wish for prosperity. The Chinese people integrate these foods into its celebration because they truly believe that they are able to lift their luck to the next level and have a much improved year this time. These traditional dishes and foods are important aspects of the Chinese culture to the extent that they are not only symbols of fortune but also considered important family heritage passed from one generation to the other. May you and your families indeed enjoy every bite of these Chinese New Year goodies and enjoy much happiness, prosperity and success this New Year and indeed in the years to come.