December 30,2020
Lucky Foods For Extra Huat This Chinese New Year!
It’s time to stay up all night playing Mahjong, Ban Luck and many more! Did you know that there are actually several layers of symbolism at play when it comes to "lucky" Lunar New Year dishes? What the food's name sounds like when said aloud, how it's prepared, and the way it's served can imbue a meal with extra meaning, making it all the more special. Here are some dishes that can bring luck and prosperity in your house to help you HUAT in the year of the Ox!
1. Longevity noodle
Photo by Karen Sewell on Unsplash
In China, noodle dishes are a staple for birthdays and Chinese New Year because they signify a long life for whoever is eating them -- as long as the noodles are not cut short. The longer they are, the better!
2. Fish
Photo by Bryony Elena on Unsplash
No CNY meal is complete without fish! In order to have a good year, where we can sneak our way through different problems like a fish through water, it is ideal to at least taste this food during the New Year’s party. The scales of the fish and the abundance of roe signify wealth and fortune!
3. Dumplings
Photo by Abhishek Sanwa Limbu on Unsplash
These round dumplings signify family reunion as most families spend New Year's Eve together preparing them before eating them at midnight. They also represent prosperity because their shape resembles ancient Chinese money!
4. Nian gao
For many Chinese families, nian gao is a must during Chinese New Year. The Chinese name for the sticky rice cake, made traditionally from glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, literally means "year cake" but is also a homonym for "higher year" - in other words, a better year ahead.
5. Tray of togetherness
Tray of Togetherness by Tatler Hong Kong
The Tray of Togetherness is a platter of sweets families traditionally use to welcome visiting guests around the Lunar New Year. Each tray or box usually has six or eight compartments (the number six symbolizing luck, and eight, fortune) filled with symbolic edible items. For instance, lotus root seeds mean you'll be blessed with many children. Candied melon indicates good health and growth, coconut brings happy friendships and unity, and nuts represent a long life with strong family ties.
That’s all we have for today! If you are looking for CNY catering, check out our list of CNY menus here! Link: https://www.foodline.sg/chinese-new-year-catering
Featured image credits to Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash
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