During Chinese New Year, the Chinese are very particular about the things they do or should not do and the food they eat, as all these have different symbolism in them. Do you know what all the food symbolises?
It is important to adhere to the tradition as Chinese believe that eating these food during Chinese New Year will have all the good things happening to them. For example, bamboo shoots, black moss seaweed, egg rolls and oranges is said to signify wealth and eating them is said to bring you wealth in the new year.
Eating dried bean curd and chicken is said to represent happiness while fish is served whole with the head and tail intact to symbolise prosperity and also to make sure there’s a good start and finish and also to avoid bad luck throughout the entire year. Chinese garlic chives, noodles and peanuts signify longevity and eating them is said to give a long life.
During Chinese New Year, eggs, pomelo and lotus seeds which symbolises fertility and having many children, are also eaten in the hope to have more offspring. Lychee nuts which symbolises close family ties are also served to signify maintaining of close bonds in the family.
In addition, it is customary for Chinese to bring along 2 tangerines when they go visiting during Chinese New Year. This is because tangerines signify luck and in Cantonese tangerines are called “Gam” which sounds like gold. Hence, this practice will mean bringing luck and money to the family one is visiting and is viewed upon as a good omen.
Now that you know what these food symbolises, start eating more of them and pray for all the good things to come your way.