Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a major holiday in China and other parts of Asia. One of the most notable traditions of the holiday is the food that is eaten, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Traditional Chinese New Year food is as colourful and abundant as its meaning. Most of them are high in nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, but low in fat. It’s very important to keep a balanced diet during Chinese New Year celebration in order to refresh yourself physically, mentally and spiritually for a better future ahead!
Most of you have probably enjoyed Chinese New Year’s food like dumplings and spring rolls but do you know the meaning behind their different foods?
Here are a few examples of traditional Chinese New Year foods and their meanings:
Dumplings
Dumplings are a traditional Chinese New Year food and are believed to bring good fortune because their shape resembles ancient Chinese money.
Fish
Fish is often served during Chinese New Year because it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The Chinese word for “fish” (鱼) sounds like the word for “abundance” in Chinese, so it is believed to bring a plentiful new year.
Noodles
Long noodles are a traditional Chinese New Year food because they symbolize long life and longevity. It is considered good luck to eat noodles on New Year’s Day.
Tangerines
Tangerines are often given as gifts during Chinese New Year because they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The Chinese word for “tangerine” (橘) sounds like the word for “luck,” so Chinese people believe it will bring good fortune in the new year.
Rice cake
Rice cakes, or “nian gao,” are a traditional Chinese New Year food that are believed to bring good luck and success in the coming year. The Chinese word for “nian gao” sounds like the words for “higher year,” so they are believed to bring a year of progress and advancement.
Whole chicken
Chicken or “ji” (吉) which means good luck or prosperity is a welcome dish for reunion dinners. It is served whole to symbolise unity and wholeness, bringing a good beginning and end to the year.
Spring rolls
Spring rolls or “Chunjuan” (春卷) symbolise bars of gold and brings wealth and prosperity in the year to come. The rolls are deep fried and often filled with savoury fillings like vegetables or meat.
As we hop into the New Year, we at Mira Gas wish everyone a prosperous new year as you enjoy all these Chinese delicacies.