It’s almost time to celebrate the Chinese New Year. To make sure we are all prepared, we have compiled a guide to what to eat during Chinese New Year. The top lucky foods in China.
This guide also contains useful information about the festival and customs. It is also filled with information about what Chinese people do to welcome the new year. It can be difficult to find information about this event. That’s why we created the Chinese New Year Food Guide. We spent hours researching Chinese websites and talking to people to gather as much detail as possible to provide you with a comprehensive guide.
This article will only give you some insights if you don’t know much about the Chinese New Year. However, if you do know a lot about this event, you’ll still find valuable information.
What is the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year) is China’s most important festival. It lasts for up to two weeks and is the only time China shuts down. Contrary to Western countries, the Chinese New Year falls on a day that falls between January 21st & February 20th according to the Chinese lunar schedule.
When is the Chinese New Year 2023
The Chinese New Year 2023 will begin on Sunday, January 22nd 2023 and continue until February 9th 2024. It is the year of rabbit according to the Chinese Zodiac.
The celebrations of Chinese New Year span 16 days and begin at Chinese New Year’s Eve through the Lantern Festival. These are the most important dates in 2023:
- Chinese New Year’s Eve is January 21st 2023
- Chinese New Year’s Day, January 22nd 2023
- The Lantern Festival, February 5, 2023
This is a time for family and food is a big part of the celebrations.
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year
For Chinese people, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with a few customs and rituals.
- House Cleaning and Decorating
A thorough cleaning of the house is done about half a year before the new year. Every house is decorated with traditional red decorations and red lanterns after the thorough cleaning.
- New Year’s Eve family dinner
The whole family gathers together to celebrate New Year’s Eve. This feast includes meat, fish and vegetables.
- Red envelopes
Seniors will be responsible for distributing money to the younger members of the family in red envelopes. To dispel evil spirits, the money is wrapped in red envelopes.
- Firecrackers
Fireworks can be seen from 0:00 to midnight, and later on New Years Eve. Legend has it that fireworks are believed to scare away Nian the giant, who appears at midnight.
- Visit Relatives
The first day of the new year is spent at home. A half-month follows that spent visiting family members. People give gifts to each other and send red envelopes to their children.
- Folk Shows and Temple Fairs
Folk shows, fairs and other events continue until the 15th day in the first lunar month. People also go to the temple during this time.
The holiday observer is different for each person , but food is always a major part of the celebrations of the Chinese New Year.
We want to share with you the best and most lucky Chinese New Year food.
Top Foods to Eat for the Chinese New Year
Each traditional Chinese dish is symbolic of something. These are the most important Chinese New Year Food, and their meanings.
- Dumplings
Dumplings are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are linked to wealth. According to tradition, the more dumplings eaten during New Year celebrations, then the more money you can make for the New Year. This is because different dumplings can have different meanings.
Dumplings containing sauerkraut are prohibitedbecause they signify a poor future. It is common to eat dumplings containing cabbage and radish, which symbolizes prosperity for the body as well as the mind.
Some areas of China have a white thread in their dumplings. This is to ensure longevity.
It is completely against the practice of arranging dumplings in circular fashion. Instead, dumplings must be arranged in lines in order to represent life’s journey.
Before you eat a dumpling, everyone at the table must say ” Zhao jin bao “ which translates to ” Bringing in wealth or treasure.”
- Spring Rolls
Spring rolls refers to the specific dish that is eaten during the Lunar Year, also known as the Spring Festival. Spring rolls are not subject to any specific rules, but it is common to use the phrase “Ano of gold, “ to refer to this dish as a means of bringing prosperity.
- Niangao
Nian Gao, a traditional glutinous rice cake, is made with sticky rice, sugar and lotsus leaves. The phrase “Getting higher year after year ” is used to describe Nian Gao, which refers to a general improvement in your life.
- Sweet Rice Balls
Rice balls are a staple in Chinese celebrations. Their round shape is associated with reunion. Being together.
- Noodles
Longevity noodles are long-lasting. They are uncut and longer than regular noodles. The better, the longer.
- Fish
Traditional Chinese New Year dishes include fish, which is usually steamed. You can choose from different types of fish depending on your family’s preferences.
- Crucian Carp: Eating crucian carp will bring you good fortune for the coming year.
- Chinese Mud Carp: Chinese mud carsp bring good luck;
- Catfish: A wish to eat catfish in excess is possible.
The last dish to be left at the table should be the fish. This is because the fish is considered a sign of more money in the coming year. The fish must be placed carefully on the table.
- The head should be aimed at elders or distinguished guests.
- Only the person who faces the fish head first can enjoy the fish with diners;
- It is not a good idea to move the fish.
The popular saying “May there always be more than you need!” is used when eating fish.
- Sauteed Chicken
Another symbol of the family is a whole-chicken. This is why Chinese people first offer the cooked chicken to their ancestors for protection and blessings.
- Fruits and Vegetables
Each vegetable represents something special and plays an important part in the Chinese dinner table.
- Bamboo shoots: represent longevity;
- Poria mushrooms are a symbol of blessings and fortune
- Muskmelon and grapefruit are family.
- Seaweed is a symbol of wealth and fortune.
- Fa Gao
Fa Gao, a traditional Chinese dessertmade from soaked rice and then steamed. It is similar to Nin Gao and a wish for great success.
