The Symbolic Significance Behind the Most Delicious Traditional Lunar New Year Foods
The Lunar New Year is nearly upon us, with the celebrations commemorating the Year of the Snake lasting from Jan. 29 to Feb. 12, and one of our personal favorite ways to get in on the fun is with great food.
Celebrated throughout East and Southeast Asia, and most famously associated with China, this event often involves firework displays, giving out red envelopes filled with money and a family reunion involving a great feast. Many dishes are associated with this dinner, not just because they're traditional, but also because of their symbolic significance, setting up those who eat it for the year ahead. Below, we've shared some of the most classic Lunar New Year foods, and what they mean, so you can enjoy them, too.
Long Noodles for Long Life
The history of noodles in Chinese culture goes back millennia, with the tradition of long noodles for the Lunar New Year stretching back more than a thousand years. They're called "longevity noodles," and it's said the longer the noodles, the better they represent a long, comfortable and healthy life. It makes sense, then, that these "yi mein" noodles are often longer than a foot.
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Also read about: 10 Delicious Noodle Dishes From Across Asia That Everyone Should Try at Least Once
Dumplings for Wealth
Chinese dumpings, or jiaozi, signify wealth in the new year. Even more, it's said that the more of these dumplings you can manage to eat during the festivities, the more wealth you'll obtain. These yummy dumplings are highly versatile, whether you steam, pan-dry or deep-dry them, and consist of a flour wrapper often stuffed with seasoned pork and cabbage. They can also include chicken and/or shrimp, or be fully meatless.
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Spring Rolls for Wealth
For even more good fortune with money in the Lunar New Year, eat spring rules, too. With their crunchy golden wrapper and long tube shape, they're said to resemble gold bars and the richness associated with them. These fried delights are also delectable, usually filled with a blend of meat, veggies and vermicelli noodles.
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Also read about: 7 Iconic Celebrities Who Perfectly Represent the Year of the Snake
Fish for Abundance
Perhaps it's because the Chinese word for fish, "yu" is similar to their word for "abundance" that fish are associated with prosperity and plentiful resources—though the fish must be prepared in a particular way for the full benefits. Traditionally, it's served whole at the table, so that you don't cut said abundance short. Further, families do not devour the entire fish, leaving some on the plate so that some of the bounty is left over, allowing it to spill into the next year.
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Citrus for Luck
The idea that citrus can be lucky or protective goes back way back over a century to the Qing dynasty, when children were told that keeping these fruits nearby while they slept could ward off monsters associated with the new year. Even today, they have their place in the festivities, with oranges and tangerines, as well as a grapefruit-like citrus called pomelo, suggesting luck and vitality with their bright colors and vibrant, fresh flavors. In Mandarin, they names also sound similar to words for "fortune," "success" and "abundance," respectively.
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Also read about: Here's What Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Says About You, Based on the Lunar Calendar
New Year Cake for Advancement
While nian gao aren't eaten exclusively for the Lunar New Year, they're also known as new year cakes for a good reason. This sweet rice cake is made from glutinous rice flour, famous for its rich flavor and chewy texture. It's also said to symbolize career advancement, whether that means a raise or other financial windfall or a promotion at work. Chestnuts and dates are also sometimes added to this cake, further symbolizing professional growth.
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Eager to celebrate the Year of the Snake? Click HERE for 15 snake-inspired Instagram caption ideas.