中国春节 (zhōng guó chūn jié), or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China, and food plays a central role in the celebrations. During this 15-day festival, families gather to enjoy dishes that are not only delicious but also rich in symbolism. Every food served during Chinese New Year carries a specific meaning, representing blessings, prosperity, longevity, or happiness.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common and meaningful dishes enjoyed during Chinese New Year. Each example will include Chinese phrases, pinyin, and English translations to enhance your language learning. If you’re interested in mastering Chinese and learning more about its fascinating culture, LC Chinese School offers flexible and comprehensive courses. Learn more here.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe Importance of Food in Chinese New Year
In Chinese culture, food is more than just sustenance—it is a way to express love, respect, and wishes for the future. During Chinese New Year, every dish served at the family table is carefully selected for its auspicious symbolism, often based on the pronunciation of the food’s name or its shape.
Let’s dive into some of the most iconic dishes of 春节 (chūn jié).
1. 饺子 (jiǎo zi): Dumplings
饺子 (jiǎo zi) are one of the most popular dishes for Chinese New Year, especially in northern China. Shaped like ancient Chinese silver or gold ingots, dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Symbolism:
Eating dumplings is believed to bring wealth and good fortune in the coming year.
Example Sentence:
春节的时候,我们全家会一起包饺子,寓意着新年的富贵。
Pinyin: Chūn jié de shí hòu, wǒmen quán jiā huì yī qǐ bāo jiǎo zi, yù yì zhe xīn nián de fù guì.
Translation: During Chinese New Year, our whole family makes dumplings together, symbolizing wealth in the new year.
2. 鱼 (yú): Fish
The word 鱼 (yú) sounds like 余 (yú), which means “surplus” or “abundance.” As a result, eating fish during Chinese New Year represents having more than enough throughout the year.
Symbolism:
年年有余 (nián nián yǒu yú): “May you have abundance year after year.”
Example Sentence:
年夜饭一定要有鱼,因为它象征“年年有余”。
Pinyin: Nián yè fàn yī dìng yào yǒu yú, yīn wèi tā xiàng zhēng “nián nián yǒu yú.”
Translation: The reunion dinner must include fish because it symbolizes “abundance year after year.”
3. 年糕 (nián gāo): Glutinous Rice Cake
年糕 (nián gāo), or glutinous rice cake, is a sweet dessert made from sticky rice. The word 年糕 (nián gāo) sounds like 年高 (nián gāo), meaning “higher year,” symbolizing growth, progress, and success.
Symbolism:
Eating 年糕 (nián gāo) represents the hope for better achievements and advancements in the new year.
Example Sentence:
过春节时,我们喜欢吃年糕,希望生活“步步高升”。
Pinyin: Guò chūn jié shí, wǒmen xǐ huān chī nián gāo, xī wàng shēng huó “bù bù gāo shēng.”
Translation: During Chinese New Year, we enjoy eating glutinous rice cake, hoping for “continuous success” in life.
4. 汤圆 (tāng yuán): Sweet Rice Balls
汤圆 (tāng yuán) are small, round rice balls typically filled with sweet fillings such as black sesame or red bean paste. The round shape of 汤圆 (tāng yuán) symbolizes unity and family togetherness.
Symbolism:
Eating 汤圆 (tāng yuán) during Chinese New Year signifies family reunion and harmony.
Example Sentence:
元宵节的时候,家人们一起吃汤圆,象征团圆和幸福。
Pinyin: Yuán xiāo jié de shí hòu, jiā rén men yī qǐ chī tāng yuán, xiàng zhēng tuán yuán hé xìng fú.
Translation: During the Lantern Festival, families eat sweet rice balls together, symbolizing reunion and happiness.
5. 春卷 (chūn juǎn): Spring Rolls
春卷 (chūn juǎn), or spring rolls, are deep-fried rolls filled with vegetables or meat. Their golden color resembles gold bars, making them a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Symbolism:
Eating spring rolls brings wealth and financial success in the new year.
Example Sentence:
春节期间,我们吃春卷,寓意着招财进宝。
Pinyin: Chūn jié qī jiān, wǒmen chī chūn juǎn, yù yì zhe zhāo cái jìn bǎo.
Translation: During Chinese New Year, we eat spring rolls to symbolize wealth and fortune.
6. 橘子 (jú zi) 和 橙子 (chéng zi): Tangerines and Oranges
Tangerines (橘子, jú zi) and oranges (橙子, chéng zi) are popular fruits during Chinese New Year. The word 橙 (chéng) sounds like 成 (chéng), which means “success,” while 橘 (jú) resembles the word 吉 (jí), meaning “good luck.”
Symbolism:
These fruits symbolize good fortune, success, and prosperity.
Example Sentence:
春节的时候,家里常摆满橘子和橙子,寓意大吉大利。
Pinyin: Chūn jié de shí hòu, jiā lǐ cháng bǎi mǎn jú zi hé chéng zi, yù yì dà jí dà lì.
Translation: During Chinese New Year, homes are often filled with tangerines and oranges, symbolizing great luck and success.
7. 长寿面 (cháng shòu miàn): Longevity Noodles
长寿面 (cháng shòu miàn), or longevity noodles, are served uncut to symbolize long life and good health. The longer the noodle, the longer the life it represents.
Symbolism:
Eating longevity noodles signifies a wish for long life and health.
Example Sentence:
长寿面是春节必备的菜肴之一,象征健康长寿。
Pinyin: Cháng shòu miàn shì chūn jié bì bèi de cài yáo zhī yī, xiàng zhēng jiàn kāng cháng shòu.
Translation: Longevity noodles are a must-have dish for Chinese New Year, symbolizing health and long life.
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Conclusion
Chinese New Year foods are rich in cultural significance, representing hopes for prosperity, longevity, and happiness. From 饺子 (jiǎo zi) symbolizing wealth to 汤圆 (tāng yuán) representing family unity, every dish tells a story. By understanding these traditions, you not only appreciate Chinese culture but also expand your Chinese vocabulary.
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祝你春节快乐,万事如意!(zhù nǐ chūn jié kuài lè, wàn shì rú yì)
Wishing you a happy Chinese New Year and all the best in everything!