CNY, a time for renewal, family gatherings, eating rich foods n paying respect to ur ancestors n elders. Also, what u do n how u act during the period is crucial in determining how the rest of ur year will go. So, eating the right foods, such as black moss seaweed, which is a homonym for exceeding in wealth, n dried bean-curd, which is another homonym for fulfillment of wealth n happiness is a must.
Many os the traditions of CNY centre around food either being cooked or eaten. As at all traditional Chinese gatherings, food plays an important role in the CNY festival. Dinners tend to be very elaborate involving tables laden with auspicious foods.
On new year's eve, families have a reunion feast which includes 'nian gao', a sticky rice pudding cake which is said to make people "advance towards higher positions n prosperity step by step".
A new year's tradition from Northern China, dumplings (jiao zi), look like the golden ingots 'yuan bao' used during the Ming Dynasty for money n the name sound like the word for the earliest paper money, so serving them brings the promise of wealth n properity! Also, long noodles r used to guarantee that all at the table will hav a long life.
Almost every dish has a symbolic meaning or name that sounds like a Chinese characters for fortune, happiness, longevity, n prosperity. In many homes, a platter with either 5 meat or 5 vegetables dishes might be served. This dish is called "the 5 blessing of the new year", referring to longevity, riches, peace, wisdom, n virtue.
On new year's eve, when everyone gathers around the table for the "Family Reunion Dinner", carp is a typical main course, because it symbolises a profitable year ahead. the fish is never fully eaten to ensure that the family will have an excess of good fortune thru the year. Fish balls n meat balls, on the other hand, r symbolic of "reunion".
During the new year month, auspicious ingredients such as oysters, seaweed, abalone n sea cucumber r added to the feast as symbols of good fortune. Fish represent "having enough to spare", while the word for garlic chives has the meaning of "everlasting", wishing ur family n guests a long life. Turnips mean "good omens". 'Hao', oysters, sounds like the word for "an auspicious occasion or event".
Lastly, i would like to, once again wishes u all a very Happy New Year n hav a good year ahead!!!
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