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The most common Chinese New Year foods include dumplings, fish, spring rolls, and niangao. We've rounded up 7 essential Chinese, or Lunar, New Year dishes, and included the symbolism behind them all. 1. Fish — an Increase in Prosperity. In Chinese, "fish" (鱼 Yú /yoo/) sounds like 'surplus'.
Jan 25, 2024 · The flavor of New Year: traditional Chinese food. Food is not just about sustenance; it's also about symbolism and tradition. During the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, many families across China come together to share meals and create memories. Preparing for Chinese New Year celebrations are crucial rituals that hold symbolic meanings ...
- Dumplings. Resembling coin purses, dumplings are said to bring wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture. Traditionally filled with a mixture of meat, tofu, egg, and/or vegetables, dumplings are a staple of Chinese cuisine and a must-have at every Lunar New Year table.
- Spring rolls. The crisp, golden shell of the fried egg roll symbolizes gold, and is meant to bring wealth and prosperity to those who eat them. Spring rolls are so popular on Lunar New Year that their name actually comes from one of the holiday’s titles — The Spring Festival.
- Tang Yuan. The shape and pronunciation of this traditional Chinese dessert symbolize unity, both with your romantic partner, and with your family. There is even a lucky saying that is traditionally expressed when eating this treat: “Tuántuán yuányuán,” which means, “Happy family reunion!”
- Bamboo shoots. Bamboo shoots are a traditional Chinese dish and are commonly enjoyed on the holiday. They symbolize well wishes and wealth. Bamboo shoots can be cooked in a variety of ways and are often prepared and served as a vegetable component in many dishes.
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Below a brief list of the food's symbolic meaning: Abalone (sea snail; 鳆; fù) - definite good fortune. Apple (苹果; píngguǒ) - wisdom, peace. Apricot, dried (杏脯; xìngfǔ) - gold, wealth. Arrowhead (bot.: Sagittaria sagittifolia; 慈菇; cí gū) - benevolence. Arrowroot (bot.: Maranta arundinacea; 竹芋) - good life.
- Lesley Kennedy
- Noodles: To Live Long and Prosper. Changshou Mian, known as "longevity noodles," symbolizes the wish for a long and healthy life. Noodles have been traced back more than 4,000 years in Chinese diets, but the tradition of consuming these long, uncut strands, sometimes over a foot in length, is thought to have originated during the Han Dynasty.
- Citrus Fruits: For Luck and Prosperity. In Lunar New Year traditions, revelers believe tangerines, oranges and pomelos bring good fortune. Their Mandarin names echo words with symbolic meanings: "jú" for oranges suggests "good luck" or "fortune," "chéng" for tangerine is akin to "success," and "youzi" for pomelos sounds similar to "have" or "abundance."
- Sweet Rice Balls for Unity. Yuanxiao or tangyuan, served in syrup, are sweet glutinous rice balls that hold a special significance during the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Golden Spring Rolls for Prosperity. Spring rolls are another popular dish during Lunar New Year celebrations; their golden color and cylindrical shape are reminiscent of gold bars and, thus, wealth.
Jan 10, 2023 · E-fu noodles. Braised e-fu noodles are a traditional symbol of longevity, and the length of noodles eaten at the Chinese lunar new year represent lifespan, so don’t cut them before serving. Sold dried in large round pucks at Asian grocery stores, the noodles are sometimes also boiled and pan-fried. 6 / 8.
Jan 17, 2012 · The Chinese greatly believe in symbolism, and each Chinese New Year dish represents something significant. The multicourse Chinese New Year banquet dinners, traditionally served family-style, includes a wide range of delicious dishes. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones and their symbolic meanings.
