As I was feverishly running at the REC Center and pedaling on an exercise bike in attempts to lose weight before I gain it all back during the holiday season, I had to stop and think about what types of foods are traditionally eaten for Chinese New Year. This is the largest Chinese celebration of the year, the food must be lavish as well.
"Chi fan le mei you?" "Have you eaten yet?" is the popular greeting guests encounter before they fill their belly with foods of good luck and fortune. Guests bring with them oranges and tangerines as gifts of gold and wealth.
Starting at midnight, families begin eating sticky rice pudding cakes and dumplings to represent the wealth they will acquire in the coming year. All of the dishes served have a meaning and representation, and here are just a few:
Hoe see fat choy: Hair seaweed and dried oysters for, "wealth and good business."
Pig's tongue: "profit."
Ju-won and you-won: fish balls and meat balls symbolic of a reunion.
Five meats or vegetables: "the five blessings of the new year." These blessings include longevity, riches, peace, wisdom and virtue.
Dishes served on Chinese New Year are prepared uncut and whole, typically with poultry including chicken and duck served with the head and feet. This is have completeness and avoid misfortune in the family. Included with this food preparation, knives are not used during the holiday, otherwise it could sever a families fortune.
So it is back to the gym for me to prepare for what I see as a truly cultural and symbolic eating celebration.
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