Five lucky foods to eat during Chinese New Year

Leanne Josephine C. Austria

January 4, 2023

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  Superstition is a massive part of Chinese culture even when it comes to food, and this Chinese New Year is no exception. Also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is the most important festival among other East Asian countries. Chinese people celebrate the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Wherein it’s a time they honor their ancestors, and it has also become a time to feast and visit their family members. 

   

  Tradition says that a big meal is appreciated by friends and family the night before the calendar changes over and in every Chinese New Year, certain foods have symbolic meanings of luck that have been deeply rooted in Chinese culture and express people’s good wishes for a new year.

   

  So, here are just some traditional Chinese New Year foods that might just bring you luck as we enter 2023 and the year of the RABBIT!

   

  SPRING ROLLS 

   

  

   

  They said spring rolls are of great resemblance to gold which in that case, it can bring wealth and good fortune. Hmmm, who couldn’t say no to this, right? These rolls are made of fresh vegetables that are wrapped inside and people eat them to welcome a new spring. They can be filled with various fillings, including pork, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, cabbage, and assorted other veggies. It has also become a dessert in some places! What a perfect starter for your Chinese New Year feast! 

   

  LONGEVITY NOODLES

   

  

   

  Longer noodles mean longer life! There is no doubt that Longevity noodles are a special food for Chinese New Year. Eating longevity noodles in the New Year symbolizes that everything is going to be smooth in the coming year. Changshou Mian, which means “long-life noodles,” is up to two feet long and according to Chinese tradition, the longer the noodle, the luckier you’ll be. Just be careful not to break one!

   

  DUMPLINGS

   

  

   

  According to Chinese legend, the number of dumplings you eat during the Chinese New Year predicts the amount of money you’ll make in the upcoming year. Give me 2,000 pieces of dumplings, please! Lol. Dumplings are often eaten on New Year’s Eve for its Chinese name ‘jiaozi’ has the meaning “changing of years”. Pork is the most common dumpling filling, they can also contain shrimp, chicken or vegetables.

   

  FISH

   

  

   

  Referring to the Chinese New Year food ideas, fish is an essential dish at every reunion dinner. Fish has its Chinese pronunciation as ‘Yu,’ which means surplus and fortune. It is also known as “dayu darou” or “big fish” this is a dish that signifies abundance and family unity. The fish is often steamed and served with a simple sauce on the side, such as soy sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce.

   

  CITRUS FRUITS

   

  

   

  Citrus fruits are common Chinese New Year gifts because they’re believed to bring good luck and happiness. The Chinese words for “orange” and “tangerine” closely resemble the words for “luck” and “wealth.” The gold color of these fruits also symbolizes prosperity. Some of the common citrus fruits are oranges, kumquats, tangerines, and pomelos. Far from family for this year’s celebrations? You can always send them a gift of oranges or any citrus fruits you want! 

   

  This year, the Chinese New Year 2023 will fall on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023, starting a year of the Rabbit. Like any holiday, Lunar New Year has many traditions. Dragon dances and fireworks displays are essential parts of the celebration just like food! Try out any of these lucky foods and who knows? Great things await you. 

   

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