Nurturing Traditions: Chinese New Year Foods & Their Symbolic Meanings 

Nurturing Traditions: Chinese New Year Foods & Their Symbolic Meanings 

The spirited celebration of Chinese New Year not only brings families together in joyous festivities but also offers a unique opportunity to instil cultural values in our children through the culinary traditions passed down through generations. Let’s explore the significance of some of the Chinese New Year foods, each carrying a meaningful wish for prosperity, good fortune, and happiness – values we can share with our little ones.

 

 

1. Fish (鱼 yú): Abundance and Prosperity

fish

 

The Chinese word for fish, “yú,” sounds like the word for surplus or abundance. Serving a whole fish during the New Year celebrations symbolises a wish for abundance and prosperity in the coming year. It’s customary to leave some of the fish uneaten, signifying that the surplus will carry over into the next year.

 

 

2. Dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi): Wealth and Longevity

dumplings

 

Dumplings, with their golden colour reminiscent of ancient Chinese currency, are associated with wealth and prosperity. The shape of dumplings is also symbolic, resembling old-fashioned silver ingots. Engage your little ones in the delightful process of making dumplings, turning it into a cherished family activity, which fosters a sense of unity and good fortune.

 

 

3. Spring Rolls (春卷 chūnjuǎn): Wealth and New Beginnings

spring roll

 

Spring rolls, named after the season of renewal, symbolise new beginnings and the coming of spring. The golden colour of the fried spring rolls represents wealth and prosperity. Enjoying spring rolls during Chinese New Year is believed to bring financial success in the upcoming year.

 

As we enjoy the crispy layers, we can share stories of personal growth and family achievements, reinforcing the idea that the New Year is a chance for everyone to embark on fresh journeys and embrace positive change.

 

 

4. Niangao (年糕): Increasing Prosperity Year by Year

sticky rice

 

Niangao, or sticky rice cake, is a must-have during Chinese New Year. The word “niangao” is a homonym for “higher year,” symbolising the promise of growth, progress, and the prospect of a better year ahead. Sliced niangao is often stir-fried with savoury ingredients for a delightful and auspicious dish.

 

 

5. Oranges and Tangerines (橙 chéng and 桔 jú): Luck and Wealth

oranges

Bright citrus fruits, such as oranges and tangerines, are exchanged and displayed as a gesture of good luck and wealth. The Chinese words for orange and tangerine sound like “success” and “luck,” respectively. The vibrant colour and sweet taste make these fruits a symbol of prosperity and positive energy.

 

 

6. Noodles (面 miàn): Longevity and Happiness

noodles

 

Long noodles, often served uncut, represent longevity and a wish for a long and happy life. It’s considered auspicious to slurp and enjoy the noodles without breaking them, symbolising the continuity of good fortune and happiness from one year to the next. You can make noodle preparation a family affair, involving your children in the process of creating the perfect dish for a longevity toast.

 

As we step into this Chinese New Year, let’s embrace the chance to craft beautiful memories with our little ones. Gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories about our cultural traditions can be a magical way to pass down wisdom and values. 

 

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Year of the Dragon!

With a background of empowering women through talkshows on all thing Womanhood, it was natural for Lily to start empowering women on one of the biggest role they carry (a mother) after having one of her own. As a millennial mum with 2 young boys herself, she understands what new parents are going through and seeks to empower, inspire and ease parents on their biggest adventure yet- Parenthood!