Jakarta (ANTARA) – Chinese New Year celebrations are always synonymous with various typical dishes that are not only appetizing, but also full of symbolic meaning. Each food served has a deep philosophy that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the family.
This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an inseparable part of Chinese New Year celebrations throughout the world. These dishes are not only enjoyed as food, but also as prayers and hopes for a better year.
One of the most frequently encountered dishes is basket cake or Nian Gao, which is a mandatory dish during Chinese New Year. Made from sticky rice flour and sugar, this cake symbolizes the hope of reaching a “higher level” in life, whether in career, education or other aspects.
Because of its chewy and sticky texture, basket cake is also considered a symbol of family harmony. This harmony is believed to bring good luck and peace to every family member in the new year. Here are some typical Chinese New Year foods that are believed to bring good luck:
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10 foods that are usually served and bring good luck during Chinese New Year
1. Basket cake
Basket cake has a chewy texture and sweet taste. In Chinese, “nian” means year, and “gao” means glutinous rice cake. This combination of words sounds like “getting higher from year to year”, symbolizing the hope that life and fortune will increase every year.
2. Cupcakes
Cupcakes are shaped like blooming flowers and are made from rice flour. The more petals that bloom, the greater luck is believed to come. This cake is known as “prosperity cake” and symbolizes ever-growing fortune.
3. Spring rolls
Spring rolls are fried until golden brown, resembling gold bars. This dish symbolizes wealth and prosperity. The fillings vary, from meat to vegetables, which are rich in flavor and a symbol of good luck.
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4. Octagonal sweets
This octagonal container contains various sweets with unique meanings for each type. Dried melon symbolizes health, kumquat oranges for prosperity, peanuts for long life, lotus seeds for fertility, and dried coconut for family.
5. My Cake
My cake has a distinctive bright red appearance and a shape that resembles a turtle shell. The red color symbolizes good luck, while the shape symbolizes long life and prosperity. It usually contains soft green bean paste and is printed with letters or images with good meaning.
6. Moon cake
Moon cakes are often a typical Chinese New Year dish. Its round shape symbolizes family unity and the hope that good fortune will continue to flow throughout the year. The filling can be red bean paste, lotus seeds, or salted egg as a middle filling which gives a unique taste.
7. Dumplings
Dumplings shaped like ancient Chinese money are a symbol of prosperity. The tradition of eating dumplings on New Year’s Eve is thought to bring abundant wealth. The filling usually consists of beef or chicken, mixed with fresh vegetables, and goes well with soy sauce and ginger for a distinctive taste.
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8. Noodles live long
Apart from being served at birthday celebrations, longevity noodles are often a mandatory food at Chinese New Year celebrations. As the name suggests, these fried noodles symbolize long life and good luck.
9. Mandarin oranges
Mandarin oranges are a typical dish in Chinese New Year celebrations because they symbolize positive meaning. This fruit is considered a symbol of fortune that continues to grow. The orange color and round shape depict prosperity, prosperity and wealth. Additionally, mandarin oranges are often served with leaves, which symbolize life and prosperity.
10. Fish
In Chinese tradition, the word “fish” itself has the title “yu” which means abundant fortune. Chinese people always want to have a surplus at the end of the year, because they think that if they manage to save at the end of the year, they can earn more the following year.
Eating these special foods during Chinese New Year celebrations is not only a culinary tradition, but also a symbol of hope and prayer for a better year. Each dish served contains deep meaning, which is believed to bring blessings and prosperity.
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Reporter: M. Hilal Eka Saputra Harahap
Editor: Suryanto
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