Chinese New Year Food: The Basics

Chinese New Year food is a big part of any new year celebration. In fact, the food is nothing less than central to the festivities. The Chinese New Year is similar to the Western one, but the differences are key. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays in the Chinese culture. Alternative names for it include the Spring Festival and the Lunar New Year. According to the Chinese calendar, the New Year takes place not on the first day of the first month of the year, as in the Western culture, but of the first lunar month. It lasts for about two weeks.

The entire celebration is special and the food served is central to it. In most of not all cases, it serves as symbolism. Mainly, people serve foods which can help to bring luck and fortune in the coming year. They are served for the entire span of the celebration.

Sometimes, certain foods are served based on how they look. Entire chickens are popular because they symbolize togetherness among the family unit. When you serve an entire chicken during the celebration, it is assurance that the family will be together and stay together. This is something that all families want for the coming new year.

Noodles are another food traditionally found during Chinese New Year's celebrations. In fact, they are practically required. In the Chinese culture, noodles symbolize a long, long life. For that reason, certain superstitions say they should not be cut. To do so would bring bad luck or worse. The inclusion of clams and Spring rolls are used to bring luck in matters of wealth. Clams are said to look a lot like bouillon. Spring rolls represent wealth because they look a bit like bars of gold.

There are some other foods that are served at Chinese New Year. For instance, forebears, a citrus fruit is served usually because the name means luck and wealth. There are so many different food types that are served during this amazing time of year that can be based on just the name or pronunciation of the food.

Fish is also frequently served. It has several symbols attached to it. The Chinese word for fish is 'yu'. It sounds like the words for terms of good fortune. As well, the fish itself is considered indicative of good luck. When it is served whole with both the head and tail in tact, it is indicative of the year's good beginning and ending.

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