Although food in Chinese context is essential to life, it is also a way of communication, a way of building and maintaining relationships, and a way of paying respect. Chinese food has much meaning, and Chinese dishes are prepared during festivals throughout the years where they believe in the shape and color of food which embodies their new year’s wishes. When it comes to CNY, there are many specials that are eaten; however, goodies are special snacks and sweets that many Chinese people developed a fondness for. These are the stories behind these special CNY cookies which in a way still tell a somewhat different picture to the colourful celebration of this festive season.
Must-have Chinese New Year delicacies include the Nian Gao or also referred to as sticky rice cake. This delicious treat which is commonly prepared from glutinous rice flour, brown sugar and occasionally the addition of other ingredients such as peanuts has a variety of meanings. The Pinyin of Nian Gao is actually similar to “年高” (Nián Gāo), which is “higher year” or “year high.” This is said to be a symbol of what a prosperous, thriving and successful New Year, that people wish for. Sticky and glutinous refer to unity and togetherness in that during happy moments and sorrow , families stick together. Since the cake is sugary and…messy, it can be understood that one wishes that relationships and friendships will be sweet and close-knit in the upcoming year.
Another conventional CNY delicacy is known as Angku Kueh; a colourful tiny cake that is formed out of glutinous rice flour, sweet filling such as mung bean or red beans are put in the center with the shape of a small round dome. The small snack christened Angku Kueh is derived from the Hokkien term that translates to red tortoise cake for the cake is round like a tortoise shell. The tortoise has always been regarded as an emblem of long life and tranquility in Chinese tradition and eating Angku Kueh is likely to yield good fortunes and long life. The deep red colour of the Angku Kueh is also related to good luck or wealth, joy or prosperity. This partiicular Chinese dessert is originally as well as often served on the first days of Chinese New Year to increase the merriness and sweetness in the lives of all the families and friends.
Another traditional Chinese New Year delicacy that is a must have is the Pineapple Tarts. Not only are these flaky, buttery tarts with a filling of sweet pineapple jam delicious but they also symbolise something as well. The pineapple, also referred to as Wang Dou Tun in china, is also associated with prosperity. It has the exterior of a wealth and, in addition, it is golden – the typical color of the symbol of the wealth. Therefore eating of pineapple tarts during the Chinese New Year celebration is viewed as likely to bring fortunes in the coming year.
Another CNY dish is Fish, also known as Yu Sheng. Many Chinese people know Yu Sheng, which is a way to prepare a cold dish from shredded raw fish, shredded vegetables, and other components and sauce. It is mostly eaten during the Chinese New Year’s day and specifically on the seventh day of the new year . In Chinese culture the word for fish if pronunced similar as the word for surplus or abundance, which also pronounced as “yú”. Hence, consumption of fish during the Chinese New Year represents well wishes and rebuking against scarcity and poverty for the year ahead.
On the occasion of Chinese New Year, there are many delicious snacks or ‘‘new’ better-pro-sperity goods’’ of Chinese people, such as bak kwa, sweet barbecued meat, nian yu – glutinous rice dumplings filled with various meats, and love letters – a delicate and crunchy biscuit for lovers.
Having had explored and shared all these symbolic goodies, one is in a position to appreciate Chinese New Year not as just a festive season to mark the lunar calendar and occasion as reunion. It is also time for people to consume, and. indeed, engage in hospitality and commensality, that is, consuming food and drinks that symbolize prosperity and togetherness, as well as happiness. While Teochew kueh and pineapple tarts, for instance may be sweet treasures of CNY, they are equally historical and culturally symbolic.
Finally, Chinese New Year is a time for reunion dining, where traditional CNY goodies and snacks carry deep significance for the Mandarin New Year. Not only do Nian Gao, Angku Kueh, Pineapple Tarts, Yu Sheng, bak kwa, nian yu, love letters, and other Chinese New Year treats taste delightful, but they also reflect the Chinese culture’s yearning for prosperity, longevity, and a harmonious family. When Chinese families gather to celebrate and share these luck-themed foods, they nourish not only their stomachs but also their souls, honoring cultural heritage and tradition. Even today, common trends during Chinese New Year are lovingly observed by the Chinese community, and these food specials, including traditional CNY goodies, remain timeless favorites that continue to grace celebrations for years to come.
