Chinese new year food

A reunion dinner is arranged on the New Year's eve where family members partake in the traditionally cooked meals which include chicken and fish. Some of the dishes prepared and consumed during the Chinese new year are Buddha's delight (a vegetarian dish), Nian gao, Jau gok (dumplings), Jiaozi dumplings, Mandarin oranges (signify luck and wealth), Melon seeds (signify lots of childeren), Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, Tikoy (a rice pudding) and Fish. On New Year's Day, the Chinese family will eat a vegetarian dish called jai. Each item represents some kind of good fortune.

Lotus seed - signify having many male offspring

Ginkgo nut - represents silver ingots

Black moss seaweed - is a homonym for exceeding in wealth

Dried bean curd is another homonym for fulfillment of wealth and happiness

Bamboo shoots - is a term which sounds like "wishing that everything would be well"

Candied melon - growth and good health

Red melon seed - dyed red to symbolize joy, happiness, truth and sincerity

Lychee nut - strong family relationships

Kumquat - prosperity (gold)

Coconut - togetherness

Peanuts - long life

Lotus seed - many children

Oranges and tangerines are symbols for abundant happiness. During the New Year's celebration, people bring bags of oranges and tangerines when visiting family or friends. Tangerines with leaves intact assure that relationships remain secure. Many families will get tangerine plants during the holiday and decorate them with small red envelopes and other good luck charms.