Symbols are a huge part of Chinese culture and are especially present in the Chinese New Year. They affect the cuisine of the new year, the traditions and customs of the new year and affect the events and celebrations.
Food is a fairly big part of the new year. Families have different food traditions but a very common one is dumplings of the eve of the new year. Dumplings are said to bring wealth and is a great family activity to kick off the new year. Other foods that are symbols are fish and noodles. Fish symbolize prosperity and plates are often served with a whole fish. Long noodles symbolize longevity and and a long life.
The dragon is very present in Chinese New Year and Chinese culture in general. "The Dragon is present in many Chinese cultural celebrations as the Chinese people often think of themselves as descendants of the mythical creature." (source 1).
Food is a fairly big part of the new year. Families have different food traditions but a very common one is dumplings of the eve of the new year. Dumplings are said to bring wealth and is a great family activity to kick off the new year. Other foods that are symbols are fish and noodles. Fish symbolize prosperity and plates are often served with a whole fish. Long noodles symbolize longevity and and a long life.
The dragon is very present in Chinese New Year and Chinese culture in general. "The Dragon is present in many Chinese cultural celebrations as the Chinese people often think of themselves as descendants of the mythical creature." (source 1).
Sources:
1. http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year-traditions
Picture:
1. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlWl3lXqelM/Txs3RYL_u_I/AAAAAAAAA_k/ZQ2vUHrdhy8/s1600/10942406-traditional-chinese-dragon-symbol-of-the-2012-year.jpg
1. http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year-traditions
Picture:
1. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlWl3lXqelM/Txs3RYL_u_I/AAAAAAAAA_k/ZQ2vUHrdhy8/s1600/10942406-traditional-chinese-dragon-symbol-of-the-2012-year.jpg