Many different foods are considered lucky for Chinese New Year. These foods usually have a special meaning and are said to bring good fortune, good luck, and good health into your households. However, it is still important to remember to eat these foods in moderation. While some of these foods may be rich in fibre and vitamins, they also contain sugar and should not be consumed excessively.
Bak Kwa
Bak Kwa (translation: dried meat) comes from Ancient China’s meat preparation and preparation technique. This Hokkien treat originates from the Fujian province, where meat is a luxury. Therefore, Bak Kwa was only reserved for special occasions like Chinese New Year.
Today, Bak Kwa is a popular food for Chinese New Year to welcome prosperity in the new year. Since this barbecued pork jerky is also red in colour, a lucky colour in Chinese tradition, it also symbolises good luck and positive energy.
Dumplings
Eating dumplings on Chinese New Year is an ancient tradition in China. They are said to bring prosperity and wealth since their colour and shape are similar to the silver ingots of Ancient China. For even more longevity and luck, some people add peanuts into their dumplings, as well.
Egg Rolls
Egg rolls date back to Ancient China, where eggs traditionally represent mortality and fertility. Today, egg rolls are eaten during Chinese New Year because their shape is similar to gold bars, and they are said to symbolise fertility and wealth in a household.
Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges aren’t like your typical oranges, and they are smaller and have looser skin, and they are also sweeter and less acidic than bigger oranges. Said to have originated from India, these oranges travelled across China to get their “mandarin” name.
Mandarin oranges are typically found on tables or as decoration during Chinese New Year because they represent luck and prosperity. In fact, its Chinese character ‘ju’ is similar to the Chinese word for luck. Plus, its orange colour is pretty similar to gold. Ideally, your mandarin oranges should have left on them, as well, because leaves symbolise longevity. Their sweetness is also said to bring sweetness and wealth into people’s lives when presented in pairs.
Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are very popular desserts during the Chinese New Year. This sweet delicacy used to be eaten by royalty during the Nara period, when Japanese culture reigned supreme. Nowadays, the sweetness of rice cakes is important during this time as it represents a prosperous year ahead. The round shape also symbolises the reunion of families.
Pineapple Tarts
Pineapple tarts originate from Peranakans, descendants of Chinese immigrants from the Malay peninsula. They are exactly what their name sounds like: small, bite-sized pastries topped or filled with sweet pineapple jam.
Sweet desserts are highly encouraged during Chinese New Year because they bring sweet life into the new year. Hokkiens also deem certain fruits to be auspicious – pineapples included. In fact, in the Hokkien dialect, pineapple or ong lai, literally means “fortune come”.
Noodles
Noodles are a staple in Chinese food but during Chinese New Year. During this time, noodles are never cut because it is believed that the longer they are, the longer our lives will be.
Which of these foods will you be welcoming the Chinese New Year with?
