Despite heavy rains, tornado watches, and gloomy skies, the Year of the Dragon was ushered in this weekend at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center. The center is located behind Chinatown Mall on New Peachtree Street. Judging by the parking situation alone, the poor weather did not dampen many spirits. Unfortunately the highlight of the festivities, the Lion Dance and the Dragon Dance, which are usually held outside, were rescheduled or canceled.
This is the year of the Dragon, an especially powerful sign andthe major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology. According to tradition the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity. Traditionally Chinese parents hope to have children during Dragon years.
Technically the New Year begins today and will run 15 days, so if you missed the celebration, you can join in by enjoying these “good luck” foods.
- Noodles represent longevity. It can be messy eating because it’s thought best not to cut them.
- Dumplings are considered lucky because the shape represent the first currency.
- Tangerines and Mandarin Oranges arelucky because the Mandarin word for tangerine sounds like the word luck. They are also plentiful, so they symbolize abundance.
- Spring Rolls look like little bars of gold so they represent good fortune.
- Expect at least one dinner during the New Year to have steamed whole fish. The word for fish sounds like the word for abundance.
All of these items are available at the Chinatown Mall. Food from Chong Qing Hot Pot, located in the Chinatown Mall food court, is featured in the Atlanta Culinary Tours dinner and tour. We also visit the Dinho Chinese Grocery and Ni Hao Teahouse.
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