Chinese New Year the Year of the Rat

The Chinese culture is steeped in symbolism and New Year is no different. A wide range of dishes are made and served, each symbolising what the person and family hopes for in the New Year.

My friend explained which foods are eaten on New Year’s and why:

Dumplings and spring rolls are served for wealth.

Noodles for happiness and longevity (extra long noodles are cooked, you would never cut noodles in half for your New Year’s meal, as it would symbolically mean you are cutting the happiness and longevity in the year).

Sweet rice balls (Tangyuan) – to symbolise family togetherness.

Steamed New Year Cake Glutinous rice cake (Nian gao)– to give you higher income or status.

Tangerines and oranges – fullness and wealth.

Fish – an increase in prosperity

Fried Flour-Coated Peanuts – Vitality and Longevity

Rice Dumplings – Family Togetherness

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding – Good Luck

Fried Dough Twists – Reunion

I hope you choose to have a Chinese style meal, it makes for a memorable meal and to all celebrating Happy New Year.