A guide to 25 Chinese New Year food symbolisms - 2009 is the year of the OX

January 24, 9:18 PMSeattle Garden & Kitchen ExaminerJerry & Kristy

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                            2009 is the year of the OX

Have you ever wondered about the symbolic meaning behind some of the foods served during the Chinese New Year celebrations? Then this should help - a list of 25 commonly served foods along with their meanings 

·Bamboo shoots
Wealth, all is well

·Black moss seaweed
Wealth

·Chicken
Happiness, marriage and family prosperity when served whole: including head, tail and feet.

·Chinese Garlic Chives
 Eternity, a long life

·Dried Bean Curd
Happiness and wealth (note: fresh tofu is not served because the color white symbolizes death and misfortune in Chinese culture)

·Duck
Fidelity

·Eggs
Fertility

·Egg Rolls
Wealth

·Fish (served whole)
Prosperity, together and abundance

·Gingo nuts
Good fortune

·Green vegetables
For close family ties

·Lettuce
Wealth

·Lotus Seed
Many male offspring

·Lychee Nuts
Close family ties

·Noodles
A long life (do not cut)

·Oranges
Wealth

·Oyster
Good things in the coming year

·Peanuts
A long life

·Pomelo
Abundance, prosperity, having children

·Seeds
Lotus seeds, watermelon seeds, etc. - having a large number of children

·Shrimp
happiness and well-being

·Steamed cakes
The cakes sweetness implys a rich, sweet life

The layers symbolize rising abundance for the coming year

Round shape signifies family reunion, connection

·Sweets
For a sweet life, or a loving relationship between husband and wife

·Tangerines
Luck

·Yellow bean sprouts
Nobility, raise in rank