7 Chinese New Year Good Luck Fetching Foods! Why To Have Them?

Sticky rice, sugar, chestnuts, dates, and lotus leaves form the classic Chinese dessert Niangao or Nian Gao. The name translates to New Year cake. No wonder, this sweet delicacy is integral to the Chinese New Year celebration. The Chinese proverb "Getting higher year after year by year" is often spoken when eating Nian Gao, and it refers to an upward trend in one's life.

Noodles have a special significance in Chinese culture, and during the beginning of the new year, they occupy the centre stage in the culinary spread. Because they are longer and uncut, the so-called "Longevity Noodles" represents a long and healthy life. To put it simply, the longer, the better. According to local norms, one must not tear or break the noodle. Each string has to be cooked and eaten whole.

Chicken gets a lot of attention during the Chinese New Year celebration. However, it must be cooked whole, including the head and claws. How strange it may sound, but this process denotes a special meaning. Ritualistically, when a whole chicken is prepared in China, it is first offered to the ancestors for their blessing and protection. 

During the New Year's celebrations, you can earn extra money by eating more dumplings. There are various connotations associated with dumplings. Sauerkraut-topped dumplings are off-limits since they portend a miserable and challenging future. Dumplings stuffed with cabbage and radish are a symbol of wealth. People in some parts of China insert a white thread inside a dumpling: the person who eats the dumpling is said to be long-lived.

Steaming fish is a common way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The family can choose from a variety of seafood options. Eating crucian carp brings prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. The locals believe that consuming Chinese mud carp is auspicious. Likewise, eating catfish symbolises hope for financial success in the coming year.

The term "spring rolls" indicates that this dish is traditionally devoured during the Chinese New Year (also called the Spring Festival). There are no rigid rules while making spring rolls, but it is customary to cook them with the phrase "A tonne of gold," which is meant to bring good fortune.

In a traditional Chinese meal, fruits and vegetables are served as symbols of different aspects of life. Bamboo shoots represent longevity, and Poria mushrooms symbolise good fortune. Similarly, red dragon fruit is revered for its red colour and mention of the dragon in its name. Muskmelons represent unity or family, grapefruits stand for money, and seaweed for prosperity.