Get ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year with dishes that are not only delicious but also rich in symbolism. In Chinese culture, certain dishes served often have symbolic significance such as luck, prosperity, joy, and fertility.
These dishes are more than just food; they are symbols of prosperity, fortune, and harmony.
Here’s everything Filipinos need to know about the secrets to each of the traditional Chinese New Year dishes:
Wealthy Dumplings
Dumplings represents wealth in Chinese tradition
Dumplings served at the table embody wealth. An old Chinese tradition states that your income for the coming year can be predicted by the amount of dumplings you consume during the Chinese New Year’s celebration.
Steamed Fish
Fish are known carriers of prosperity in Chinese
According to Chinese tradition, fish represents prosperity and abundance. To ensure success in the Year of the Dragon, whole steamed fish should be served during Chinese New Year. In the Chinese language, the Chinese character for “fish” has the same pronunciation for “surplus.”
Lucky bundles of Spring Rolls
A lucky bundle of spring rolls symbolizes wealth
The spring rolls also represent wealth. Deep-fried with different fillings, spring rolls are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune since they resemble bars of gold.
Longevity Noodles
Noodles, in Chinese tradition, embody happiness and longevity
Be sure to serve these if you are planning to celebrate the Chinese New Year! Noodles represent happiness and longevity. According to Chinese tradition, your luck depends on the length of the noodle. The longer, the better.
Good fortune Oranges and other Citrus
Oranges and other citruses signify fullness and wealth
In Chinese, they are common food gifts because they are believed to bring good fortune and joy. As they are round and “golden” in color, they also symbolize prosperity.
Sweet Rice Balls
Sweet Rice Balls are associated with reunion and being together
The round shape of rice balls is associated with ‘reunion’ and ‘being together’ in Chinese. It signifies balance and unity for the family.
Whole Chicken
A whole chicken represents success and wholeness
Serving the whole chicken symbolizes wholeness and success. And the main reason that makes it such a perfect dish this Chinese New Year is that it depicts wealth and symbolizes unity.
These dishes are more than just food; they are symbols of prosperity, fortune, and harmony. But let us also remember that the core concept of Chinese New Year lies not just in the delectable dishes but also in the connections and memories that are meant to be shared. Therefore, let’s welcome the Year of the Dragon with a table filled with flavor and Filipino spirit!
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