Culinary Traditions: Exploring the Cultural Significance of Lunar New Year
Michelle Fan • February 18, 2024
There comes a time once a year, determined by the Chinese Lunar Calendar, where family members put aside their busy lives to gather together in celebration. Lunar New Year is an integral tradition for individuals in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, and more. Whether it’s giving out red pockets full of money or decorating in ornate red and gold, Lunar New Year has some distinct features. Above all, I think food defines the holiday and the experiences around it.
Contents
Lunar New Year is a celebration of prosperity, so every single item of food is a symbol of wealth and success. In particular, Chinese people make these connections to bring good luck into a new year. Most famous of all, dumplings are eaten across China because of their resemblance to a golden nugget. Dumplings come in various flavors, shapes, and sizes, with each family all doing things a little differently. Aside from the different fillings, vinegar, soy sauce with chili oil, and others are all used as a sauce. Additionally, even numbers, especially 8, are used in dishes since they are lucky numbers. These foods are especially significant as they bring together families by sharing food together.
Variety
Although marked by similar intentions, there are also regional differences between Northern and Southern Chinese Cuisine. In the North, most of the focus is placed on dumplings with other additions like longevity noodles. The length of the noodle signifies a long and healthy life. In the South, they also consume glutinous rice cakes since the word resembles the term for wealth. These regional differences showcase how everyone adds their own unique spin on traditions. Practices also vary from country to country.
Cultural Preservation
Especially for immigrants, eating Lunar New Year foods is a good way to preserve much of the culture that was lost from assimilating. Although America does not boast the same type of authentic food, celebration as immigrants is key in maintaining family ties and proudly expressing your heritage. There is also a uniqueness in the mixing of American and Chinese food. For instance, my family will use Western ingredients like Ketchup in our Eastern Cuisine. This cultural convergence showcases the exchange of elements that allow immigrants to maintain healthy relationships with both cultures. A little bit American, a little bit Chinese, and a whole lot of both.
My Highlights
I distinctly remember video calling my grandparents every single lunar new year, wishing them “恭喜发财“ or “Wishing you happiness and prosperity” so that they would give me their red pockets. I never get to eat the food they make, but I hear all about it from my mom. We have this family tradition of filling a few dumplings with peanuts. It takes inspiration from an old tradition of folding coins into dumplings. Then, whoever eats the chosen dumplings would be the most lucky in the year. I never get lucky, but I’m just lucky to eat my mom’s dumplings. Lunar New Year foods bring me a level of comfort that no other can satisfy. I’m so incredibly proud and grateful that such a wonderful celebration is something I can call home.