Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated and tradition-rich holidays around the world.

The origin of Chinese New Year goes back to a distant legend. In the marine abysses of China, hid the monster Nian that, once a year, came out from its hiding place hunting humans, preferring children.

Legend has it that the monster had only two weak points: red and loud noises.

For this reason, red has become the color of Chinese New Year and, as per tradition, several thunderous activities are planned, such as singing, dancing, music and fireworks.

 

2022 will be the year of the Tiger, the third sign of the Chinese zodiac. The Tiger symbolizes courage, passion and self-confidence.

The holiday lasts for 15 days and ends with the magical lantern festival.

During this time, there are several dishes that are served in the homes of Chinese people.

 

First of all, there are the “fruits of good luck“. They bring wealth and fullness.

Fruits such as tangerines, oranges and pomelo take on a certain importance during the Chinese New Year period.

Eating tangerines and oranges, or displaying them in the home, serves to bring good luck, a quality these fruits possess due to their assonance, in the Chinese language, with the word “success.”

Similarly, the Chinese character that represents the mandarin is 桔 (jú), within which is the character meaning ‘good luck’ 吉 (jí).

Their perfectly round shape symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

 

Another typical dish is ‘sweet rice balls’, it represents family unity, which is fundamental in Chinese culture.

Sweet rice balls are the most traditional food during the Lantern Festival, but in southern China they are eaten during every day of the New Year festivities.

The circular shape and pronunciation recall the concept of ‘gathering’ and ‘being together’.

 

‘Chinese Dumplings‘ certainly can’t be left in the pantry.

With a history of over 1800 years, dumplings are a classic Chinese dish and a traditional dish popular throughout the country during the New Year holidays.

When preparing dumplings, one must pay close attention to the dough and the number of pleats that form when closing them. Also, if the part where they close is too thin, it is a sign of poverty for the coming year.

Ravioli generally have a filling of ground meat and finely chopped vegetables, all wrapped in a thin, elastic dough.

Popular fillings include pork, shrimp, fish, chicken or beef, and various vegetables. They can be boiled, steamed, fried or baked.

 

Inevitable then the “Spring rolls“.

Spring rolls take their name from the Spring Festival, which in Chinese is another way in which the New Year is called.

This dish is traditionally eaten during the holidays especially in eastern China.

Spring rolls are cylindrical in shape and are filled with vegetables, meat or from sweet ingredients. The fillings are wrapped in the pastry, which is then fried to a golden color.

They symbolize wealth, because the fried rolls resemble gold bars.

 

With these splendid dishes, we just have to celebrate the Year of the Tiger with the Chinese community.