Happy Year of the Dog
Some Chinese food traditions and symbolism via Slashfood.
- Dumplings - Good luck, fortune, and family togetherness
- Lettuce - Prosperity
- Noodles - When noodles are served, they are never cut because long noodles represent long-life.
- Oysters - Receptivity to good fortune
- Seaweed - Specifically, the black moss seaweed is the Chinese word for it also means "wealth"
- Whole fish - The Chinese word for fish "yu," is the same word for "success" or "abundance." Serving the fish whole is a symbol of togetherness of the family.
- Turnips - "Cai tou," the word for turnip, also means "good omen."
- Meat balls - Symbolize reunion because the Chinese word "rou wan" is the same for both
- Chicken - Like fish, chickens are served whole to symbolizing togetherness of the family.
- Lotus seed - Is a symbol (or wish) of having many male offspring
- Ginkgo nuts - Represent wealth
- Dried bean curd - Like many of the foods that are served because the Chinese word for it also means something else, dried bean curd (tofu) symbolizes wealth and happiness
- Bamboo shoots - The word for bamboo shoots also sounds like the phrase for "wishing that everything would be well"
- Garlic chives - Symbolize "everlasting"
- Prawns - Stand for liveliness and happiness
- Mixed vegetables - Represent family harmony
- Oranges - We've already mentioned how they stand for abundance and sweetness of the New Year.
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