As the Lunar New Year approaches, people around the world prepare to celebrate and embrace the traditions associated with this festive occasion. Along with colorful decorations, vibrant parades, and family gatherings, food plays a significant role in welcoming luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
One popular dish that symbolizes wealth during this auspicious time is the spring roll. Also known as lumpia, these crispy treats bear a striking resemblance to gold bars, making them a powerful symbol of abundance. By consuming spring rolls during the Lunar New Year, it is believed that one can usher in wealth and prosperity.
While many of us may not be aware of the proper way to eat noodles, especially during this festive season, Nila Lao, a Dabawenyo with Chinese heritage, sheds light on this intriguing practice. With 73 years of Chinese New Year celebrations under her belt, Lao shares her insights on the matter.
According to Lao, it is important to refrain from using teeth to cut the noodles while enjoying a dish of noodles. Instead, she advises that it is customary to slurp all the noodles into one’s mouth before chewing. This method is considered the appropriate way to appreciate and savor the dish, enhancing the overall experience.
Chinese beliefs also extend to the consumption of fruits during the Lunar New Year. Lao emphasizes the significance of partaking in fruits that are associated with good fortune. Oranges, for example, symbolize harmony and good luck in financial aspects. Apples are believed to bring forth peace, while the pomelo represents family reunion. Furthermore, pomelos are regarded as a tradition for attracting positive energies and blessings into one’s life.
These are just a few examples of the affordable and accessible foods that one can prepare to invite luck and prosperity during the Lunar New Year. So, as we welcome this joyous celebration, let us embrace the traditions and flavors of the season, and may the year ahead be filled with abundance and blessings. AJA.
FAQs about Lunar New Year Customs and Food
Q: What is the significance of the spring roll during Lunar New Year?
A: The spring roll, also known as lumpia, symbolizes wealth and abundance during the Lunar New Year. By consuming spring rolls, it is believed that one can usher in luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Q: Are there any specific customs related to eating noodles during the Lunar New Year?
A: Yes, it is customary to slurp all the noodles into one’s mouth before chewing them. It is important to refrain from using teeth to cut the noodles. This method is considered the appropriate way to appreciate and savor the dish.
Q: What fruits are commonly consumed during the Lunar New Year?
A: Oranges symbolize harmony and good luck in financial aspects, while apples are believed to bring forth peace. The pomelo represents family reunion and is considered a tradition for attracting positive energies and blessings into one’s life.
Q: What are some other affordable and accessible foods that can be prepared during the Lunar New Year?
A: There are many other foods that can be prepared to invite luck and prosperity, such as dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and tangyuan. These foods are often associated with good fortune and abundance during the Lunar New Year.
Key Terms and Jargon:
– Lunar New Year: The Chinese New Year celebration based on the lunar calendar.
– Spring roll: Also known as lumpia, a crispy treat that symbolizes wealth and abundance during Lunar New Year.
– Noodles: A type of food often consumed during Lunar New Year, with specific customs related to eating it.
– Oranges: Fruits symbolizing harmony and good luck in financial aspects during Lunar New Year.
– Pomelo: A fruit representing family reunion, positive energies, and blessings during Lunar New Year.
Suggested Related Links:
– ChineseNewYear.net: Provides comprehensive information about the Chinese New Year traditions, customs, and food.
– China-Mike.com: Offers insights into Chinese New Year customs, including food and celebrations.