Introduction
The Chinese New Year or CNY is a 15 day celebration marked not only with rituals and colors but also with wonderful decorations and great Chinese food. It is regarded as the greatest festival for Chinese people since it marks the arrival of a new year, full of fun, joy as well as rejuvenation. Another remarkable characteristic of the event is most scrumptious tasty edibles exchanged between families and friends.
The food consumed during Lunar New Year has a strong basis of symbolism to do with good fortunes. For this culinary trip, let us introduce you to some of the most well-loved Chinese New Year snacks, their origin and just why they’re so symbolic during the celebration.
1. Nian Gao (Year Cake)
The Lunar New Year snack is Nian Gao that translated means the ‘Year Cake’ and it is present in almost all homes during the Lunar New Year. The dessert is soft, chewy, and moist and is derived from glutinous rice flour and brown sugar. It symbolizes advancement financially, physically, and socially in life. To eat Nian Gao during the CNY is also believed to be lucky because the term used to refer to it means ‘higher year’ – a better year to come.
It has been a Chinese custom to give and eat Nian Gao during the first day of the Lunar New Year. I give you the interesting folklore behind the Chinese name and origin of Nian Gao. As the folk tale has it, it was developed to chase the dangerous animal known as Nian away. People would bake the sticky cake to lure the monster and because it was tough for Nian to chew and in the process of trying to eat it, the stove flames and smoke chased the monster away.
2. Tang Yuan (Sweet Rice Balls)
Tang Yuan is one of the typical Chinese dessert during the festival, which also refers to family reunion. Among these creative snacks, sweet rice balls are glutinous rice balls containing sweet filling; such as red bean paste or peanut, these sweet rice balls are boiled and served in osmanthus flower syrup or sweetened sesame. With round shape Tang Yuan represents warmth and togetherness of a family which symbolizes completeness and thereby Tang Yuan is perfect for CNY celebration.
According to the historical sources, Tang Yuan was first created in the Eastern Han Dynasty when a family had only one child. Unable to feed them anymore, they wished that if they could be given one more child, then they would use their labor to make a confectionary in the future. This was granted them, and they had another son, who grows up to be an official, as effective as the others. To fulfill this promise, they made Tang Yuan and shared it with their neighbors. It eventually enjoyed great reception and people continued celebrating it during the Lunar New Year.
3. Pineapple Tarts
It’s very common when people talk about Lunar New Year celebration, pineapple tarts are always mentioned. These are delightful tidbits made from shortcrust pastry which is then enveloping a slice of caramelised pineapples. Pineapple filling is used as sweet and crunchy element with the association with prosperity in Chinese culture, and the coating’s color resembles gold, which means happiness and wealth in the same culture.
Amazing little stories are hidden behind each pineapple tart. The legend originates from the 15th century when a queen, who received all of the best education and skills to become a wonderful wife and a loving mother, got a fatal disease that could not be treated. Well known for her sweet tooth, especially for pineapples, she ordered pineapples to be imported. When she rather died, her cooks tried to depict the taste of pineapples in a pastry. The first pineapple tart came into existence and it soon gains popularity to represent luck, happiness, prosperity and longevity during CNY.
4. Fa Gao (Bak Chang)
Fa Gao also knowns as Bak Chang is a steamed rice dumpling with stuffing of dried meat beans and vegetable all wrapped up in bamboo leaves. These dumplings are cooked by boiling and then served. Basically the shape it the shape of dumpling which has got the meaning of ‘fa’ and ‘gao’ which are the words of prosperity and tallness. Consuming Fa Gao food during the period of Lunar New year is believed to bring a better life in the forthcoming year.
The origin of Fa Gao undoubtedly stretches back into antiquity and recommendations to eat these dumplings gave people protection from evil spirits and demons. People in the villages would boil the rice dumplings in their homes to appeal to the gods that their dear ones would be secure and wealthy the following year.
5. Kueh Bangkit
Kueh Bangkit is a type of Malay cookies which is prepared from rice flour, coconut milk and sugar. These cookies are delicious in taste with a flaky and crumbly texture; the gold color represents luck and prosperity.
In fact Kueh Bangkit is something looked forward to being eaten during CNY as it symbolises happiness and joy. The crispy nature of the cookies is said to be a symbol of happiness and laughter and as such, it should not be missing in the festive meal.
Conclusion
From the visual aspect, the Lunar New Year is brimming with vibrant decorations, captivating traditions, and, most importantly, a delectable array of food and sweets. These CNY goodies are not just treats; they carry stories and deep cultural significance, making them a perfect fit for any Lunar New Year celebration.
When you understand the meaning behind these delightful pastries and snacks, you gain a richer appreciation of the festival’s essence. They symbolize happiness, prosperity, and good fortune – everything we hope to welcome in the coming year. So, indulge in these mouthwatering CNY goodies, savor their flavors, and embrace the joy of the Lunar New Year filled with blessings, wealth, and luck.
Happy Chinese New Year! 🎉
