CNY Edition: 7th Day of Chinese New Year

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The 7^th day of the first lunar month, is also known as 人日 “ren ri”. Ren Ri, is also known as the birthday of humankind. So how did Ren Ri come about? It was said that a Chinese Goddess Nü Wa created the first 6 animals, the chicken, boar, dog, sheep, cow and horse. On the 7^th day, she looked at her own reflection and started moulding clay figures that mimicked her own image. She made the clay figures come to life, and that’s the birth of humankind. So now the Chinese celebrate the 7^th day of Chinese New Year, Ren Ri, also known as everyone’s birthday.

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On this day, you should show gratitude to your loved ones, especially your elders, parents, grandparents. To show gratitude, make the effort to have a meal together and talk together as a family.

So, just like any other superstitions, on Ren Ri, there are special foods that you should eat!

Fish

Having fish as one of the dishes of the meal is important, as fish symbolises luxury. Fish also symbolises good luck, to have a good start and end of the coming year.

Vegetarian Dishes

Some people would choose to stick to a vegetarian diet for the day, to celebrate the creation of humans.

Longevity Noodles

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This is one of the key food item, as to signify a long and happy life, the noodles must be uncut.

Porridge

Elders believe that feeding their kids porridge on the 7^th day of the lunar new year will allow their children to do well in school. So those, who want to score well, porridge is key.

Yu Sheng

Yes, I know this would probably be your 19239^th yusheng this Chinese New Year, but people eat yusheng on the 7^th day as well, as the words Yu Sheng sounds like the word birth “生” in Chinese.

Happy Birthday to everyone on this planet! For any last minute catering, or cakes to celebrate this special day, head on over to www.foodline.sg for all your catering needs! Happy New Year!