SWEETS — The very first bite of New Year’s day is supposed to be something sweet because in Ancient China, when someone would deliver good news, it would be delivered with something sweet (i.e. glutinous rice, candy, fruit).
FISH — An entire fish, complete with tail and head, should be served during the New Year celebration because it symbolizes prosperity and full abundance coming your way.
LONG NOODLES — Noodles are a sign of long life and good health. No matter how long they are, they are not supposed to be cut in the middle. Typically noodle dishes have up to seven vegetables in them, which represent different arms of Chinese medicine in encouraging good health.
DUMPLINGS — According to Chinese Highlights, traditional dumplings are eaten to represent the money you will make in the New Year.
FRUITS — Certain round and golden fruits are eaten and displayed during the Chinese New Year period, such as: pineapple (good luck), apples (wisdom), mangos, watermelon (abundance), tangerines/oranges (fortune), pomelos (prosperity), kiwi, papayas (good health), grapes (wealth and luxury), lemons and limes (remove negative energy), and starfruit (securing reputation).
(Feng Shui tips and Chinese New Year traditions as told to Christina M. Oriel / AJPress by Melissa Yamaguchi. You may contact Melissa at [email protected])
