Food is the heart of Chinese culture, and it takes on special significance during festivals. It’s a way to show respect for our ancestors, celebrate with loved ones, and learn about our heritage. Chinese festival cuisine is full of symbolism and rich in tradition, representing luck, prosperity, and long life. It’s also a way to honor our history and revered figures. Beyond its symbolic role, food is a bridge to our Chinese heritage, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase regional culinary customs. I’ve shared the festival dates for the coming year, and I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with your loved ones! May the food be delicious, the company be enjoyable, and the memories be cherished.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Year of the Dragon
LANTERN FESTIVAL
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QINGMING FESTIVAL
Tomb-sweeping Day
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
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SUMMER SOLSTICE
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CHINESE VALENTINE'S DAY
Double Seventh Festival
HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL
Ghost Month Aug 4th - Sept 2nd
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
Moon Festival
NATIONAL DAY OF CHINA
75th Anniversary
CHONGYANG FESTIVAL
Double Ninth Festival
WINTER SOLSTICE
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LABA FESTIVAL
Year of the Guimao
KITCHEN GOD FESTIVAL
Little New Year
CHINESE NEW YEAR'S EVE
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CHINESE NEW YEAR 中国新年
(nung lik sun nin)
First day of the first month of the lunar calendar, usually in January or February
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, signifies renewal and family unity. Customs like house cleaning to ward off bad luck, adorning homes with red lanterns for good fortune, and lively dragon dances are all part of the celebrations. The lion, a symbol of power and courage, is believed to chase away evil spirits, while the dragon, associated with longevity and wealth, brings blessings and good fortune. Red envelopes, known as Lai Cee, filled with money and given to children for growth and prosperity, are a cherished tradition. It’s common to exchange wishes of “恭喜发财” (gong hei fát choy), which convey wishes for a prosperous year ahead. Amidst firecrackers and lion dances, Chinese New Year embodies celebration, reflection, and hope, reminding us of family, unity, and tradition. It’s a promise of new beginnings, good fortune, and prosperity for the year ahead.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
Serving ‘Whole Fish’ during this festival is a tradition symbolizing abundance and prosperity. The Chinese word for fish, ‘鱼’ (yu), sounds like ‘surplus,’ and it’s believed to bring good luck and wealth in the coming year. Spring rolls, symbolizing wealth and abundance, and dumplings, mirroring ancient gold ingots, symbolize prosperity and fullness in the coming year. Long, unbroken noodles stand for longevity, while shrimp represent happiness and good fortune. A whole chicken, representing unity and wholeness, completes the festive spread. Lion’s head meatballs symbolize family unity, and vegetables, symbolic of spring, renewal, and wealth, add to the auspicious feast. Finally, Nian Gao, or ‘year cake,’ serves as a symbol of prosperity and advancement, concluding the meaningful and auspicious feast.
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Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions
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Deep-Fried Vegetable Spring Roll
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Braised Lion's Head Meatballs
LANTERN FESTIVAL 元宵节
(jyun siu zit)
15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, usually in February or March
The Lantern Festival, a finale to the Chinese New Year, bathes the night in a radiant glow. People gather to behold the full moon’s brillance and pay homage to the lunar radiance. Lantern-lit streets buzz with dragon dances, as families and friends gather to celebrate the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. Lantern riddles, intricately woven into lantern designs, test participants’ wit, adding intellectual amusement to the festival. The Lantern Festival, or Yuanxiao Festival, is a deeply rooted Chinese tradition dating back to the Han Dynasty. Initially a time to guide lost spirits home, it evolved into a celebration of abundance, harmony, and family reunion. Beyond light and tradition, the Lantern Festival celebrates the enduring spirit of the Chinese people, reflecting on the past, cherishing the present, and embracing the future with hope and optimism.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
Amidst the dazzling lantern displays, the star is Yuanxiao – sweet glutinous rice balls filled with delights like black sesame paste. These treats signify family unity and completeness, embodying a sincere wish for togetherness and harmonious beginnings. While the Lantern Festival emphasizes family gatherings for a joyous meal over specific symbolic dishes, we suggest diverse dishes, each carrying its own meaning of good fortune and prosperity. Wontons symbolize wealth, chestnuts represent longevity, lotus root embodies purity, bamboo shoots signify peace and growth, shrimp bring happiness, preserved mustard greens symbolize longevity and resilience, choy sum represents prosperity and fertility, and red dates symbolize love, harmony, and good luck.
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Yuanxiao - Sweet Dumplings
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Lotus Root and Pork Ribs Soup
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Stir-fried Mustard Green
QINGMING FESTIVAL 清明节
(tsing ming zit)
15th day of the third month of the lunar calendar, usually in April
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a sacred time when Chinese families pay their deepest respects to their ancestors by visiting their graves. This solemn occasion involves cleaning tombstones, making offerings, and burning incense as a gesture of reverence. Rooted in over 2,500 years of history, the Qingming Festival celebrates the loyalty and selflessness of Jie Zitui, a devoted retainer who refused to accept rewards for his service and instead retreated into the mountains. Duke Chong’er honored Jie Zitui’s dedication by making the day of his death a day of remembrance. Qingming Festival evolved to embrace spring’s spirit, coinciding with the blossoming of peach blossoms. Families plant willow trees for longevity and fly kites for good fortune. It honors generational ties and preserves traditions that have been passed down through the ages.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
During Qingming, the tradition of consuming cold food has evolved, with various snacks now enjoyed. Qingtuan, a green glutinous rice ball filled with sweet bean or sesame paste, symbolizes spring’s arrival and new growth. Peach blossom petal porridge promotes year-round health. Regional customs lead to unique preferences. In the north and south, Sanzi, a fried dough twist, is popular. Xiamen, Fujian, prefers thin pancakes, while Qingdao, Shandong, opts for spring onion omelets, believed to enhance eyesight. Steamed rice with leaf mustard is common in Fujian, preventing skin diseases. In Heshan Town, Zhejiang, serves silkworm-related dishes like fried snails and glutinous rice in lotus roots for good luck and prosperity and in Shanxi, Zitui buns, colorful dough animals filled with egg and red dates are a tradition.
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Qingtuan - Glutinous Rice Ball
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Asian Mustard Green Rice
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Stuffed Lotus Root with Sticky Rice
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 端午节
(duen ng zit)
5th day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, usually in June
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a vibrant celebration that honors the legendary poet and statesman Qu Yuan. Originating in the 3rd century BCE, the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a loyal minister who drowned himself in the Miluo River in despair over his country’s impending fall. To honor him and protect his body, locals threw rice dumplings into the river, leading to the tradition of zongzi. The heart of the festival lies in the exhilarating dragon boat races, where teams of paddlers vigorously propel their intricately carved longboats across the water, symbolizing their pursuit of Qu Yuan’s unwavering spirit. Amidst vibrant festivities, the Dragon Boat Festival intertwines traditions like hanging fragrant herbs to ward off evil spirits and consuming Realgar wine for protection, fostering family reunions, and honoring ancestry.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
People honor Qu Yuan’s spirit with Zongzi, glutinous rice dumplings symbolizing longevity and wealth. Regional traditions abound during the Dragon Boat Festival. In Fujian, Jiandui sesame balls are eaten to symbolically ‘patch up’ the holes in the sky and end the rainy season. While in Yanbian locals savor Dagao, made with mugwort and glutinous rice to ward off illnesses. Children in Nanchang receive tea eggs for good fortune. Hubei residents enjoy seasonal eels, a seasonal delicacy, and salted duck eggs combat summer ailments in other regions. Taro, red beans, and lotus root are traditional festival foods, symbolizing stability, prosperity, unity, and longevity. These symbolic ingredients connect the present to the past, honoring Qu Yuan’s legacy.
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Cantonese Style Zongzi
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Jiandui - Fried Sesame Balls
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Dagao - Glutinous Rice Cake
SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL 夏至节
(háán zi zit)
Falls between June 21st and June 22nd of the Gregorian calendar
The Summer Solstice Festival, or Xiazhi, marks the longest day of the year in China, intertwining astronomical observation with traditional celebrations. In ancient times, Xiazhi coincided with the wheat harvest, leading to customary “earth worship” rituals involving sacrifices and prayers for a bountiful year. Ancestral worship ceremonies were also held. Women exchanged colored fans for cooling and fragrant sachets to repel mosquitoes. Historically, Xiazhi was an official holiday, but today it is not, and business operations continue. Modern celebrations are often regional and low-key. Water-related activities symbolize cleansing and purification during the summer heat. Xiazhi is considered crucial for maintaining bodily balance in traditional Chinese medicine. Herbal teas are consumed to promote health and prevent summer ailments, reflecting the festival’s modern emphasis on food and well-being.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
In traditional Chinese medicine, the summer solstice marks the peak of yang energy, demanding balance. To counteract the summer’s heat, people emphasize cooling foods. Noodles, especially cold sesame oil noodles, are a popular choice, believed to maintain appetite during the hot weather. Pea cakes, with their sweet and refreshing taste, symbolize auspiciousness and counteract internal heat. Hunan province’s hard-boiled eggs added to jujube soup are believed to help “resist heat,” while Qingbuliang soup, a cold sweet soup from the Canton region, combats the summer’s heat. Additionally, ingredients with cooling properties, such as bean sprouts, tofu, bitter melon, lotus roots, bamboo shoots, and almond jelly, are commonly consumed during the Chinese Summer Solstice.
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Cold Sesame Noodles
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Steamed Pea Flower Cake
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Qingbuliang Herbal Soup
CHINESE VALENTINE'S DAY 七夕节
(cát sik zit)
7th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, usually in August
Also known as the Qixi Festival, it honors the annual reunion of Zhinü, the weaver goddess, and Niulang, the cowherd. Their undying love caused Zhinü to disregard her heavenly duties, forcing her father, the Jade Emperor, to divide them by the Milky Way. Immortalized as stars, the magpies create a magnificent path across two realms each year for their joyous reunion. On this special day, people across China celebrate Zhinü and Niulang’s love story. Women pray for sewing skills and happy marriages by stringing needles with colorful threads. Modern Couples exchange gifts like flowers and chocolates, and some visit temples to seek blessings for love and companionship. The Qixi Festival underscores the power of love, perseverance, and cherished relationships. It is a time for couples to express appreciation and for singles to hope for companionship.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
During the Qixi Festival, a customary dish called Qiaoguo, meaning “skill fruit,” consists of fried pastries beautifully shaped. Dumplings, considered auspicious in Chinese culture, gain special significance during Qixi. Stuffed with coins, red dates, and longans, each item represents a unique blessing for the eater. Chicken, considered a romantic dish, is said to prevent separation if consumed during Qixi. Originating in Nanjing, deep-fried glutinous rice sugar sticks express wishes of sweet love during the festival. Red beans, associated with lovesickness, are a common Qixi ingredient. In some regions, noodles with bean sprouts, prepared seven days in advance, are consumed, and a five-nut mix-longans, hazelnuts, peanuts, melon seeds, red dates serves as an offering to the weaver girl, Zhinü.
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Qiaoguo - Sweet Bread
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Vegan Crystal Dumplings
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Braised Chicken with Chestnuts
HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL 中元节
(zhong yuán zit)
15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, usually in August
Also known as Zhongyuan or Yulanpen Festival, it is a traditional Chinese festival held to commemorate the spirits of deceased ancestors and appease wandering spirits. It is believed that the gates of hell are opened during this month, allowing the spirits to roam the earth. People prepare food offerings for ancestors and wandering spirits, placing them on altars to appease them. Joss paper, symbolizing money and items, is burned for the spirits afterlife sustenance. Taoist priests and Buddhist monks perform rituals to guide spirits back to the underworld for peaceful passage. Burning paper boats and lighting lanterns symbolize compassion and remembrance, guiding wandering spirits and illuminating their path. This festival embodies deep-rooted Chinese values of filial piety and respect for ancestors, reminding us of our connection to the departed and fostering compassion for all beings.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
Peng Kueh, pink rice cakes, hold a special significance during the festival, symbolizing the connection between the living and spiritual realms. The festival honors the deceased and reflects the belief that food and drink provide comfort and aid to spirits in the afterlife. Family dinners feature an abundance of dishes shared with the ancestors, emphasizing nourishment over symbolism. Simple, nutritious foods are typically chosen, often including a few of the ancestors’ favourites. Traditional Chinese specialty dishes are also served during this time, connecting the living with their family history and cultural roots, while honoring the past. In keeping with the spirit of the Hungry Ghost Festival, we share some traditional Chinese specialty dishes that can be enjoyed during this special occasion.
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Toechew Peng Kueh
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Fish Maw with Prawn Ball Soup
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MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL 中秋节
(zung cáu zit)
15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, usually in September
In the Moon Festival, families celebrate the harvest, enjoy the full moon, and the changing of the seasons. In ancient times, Hou Yi, a skilled archer, shot down nine of the ten scorching suns, saving the Earth. Rewarded with the elixir of immortality, he wished to share it with his beloved wife, Chang’e. However, a wicked man tried to steal the elixir, prompting Chang’e to drink it all and ascend to the moon. Hou Yi expressed his love by gazing at the moon and offering her favorite foods. This tradition evolved into the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrating their enduring love and the yin and yang harmony. Under the radiant moon, families unite, lanterns illuminate the night, and ancestors are honored with offerings. Traditional music and acts of kindness enrich the festive atmosphere, embodying Chinese culture’s essence: family, tradition, and nature’s beauty.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people share Mooncakes, round pastries with sweet fillings, symbolizing the full moon and family togetherness. Eating duck dates back to resisting Mongolian invaders in the 14th century. Crabs, enjoyed since the Ming Dynasty, are a traditional dish. Taro brings good fortune and is believed to dispel misfortune and attract wealth, while lotus root represents strong connections with its unique texture and name. As per local folklore, pumpkins are believed to promote health, and pomelos are offered for family blessings. Pears, sounding like “separate,” are eaten whole for unity, but sharing may lead to separation. Osmanthus flowers, blooming during this time, symbolize elegance, wealth, sweetness, and reunion and are often.
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Red Bean Mooncakes with Salted Egg Yolk
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Duck with Bamboo Shoot and Mushrooms
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Deep-Fried Taro Dumplings
NATIONAL DAY OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 国庆节
(gwok hing zit)
Celebrated annually on October 1st
A grand celebration commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, marks the transition from China’s imperial past to its modern socialist republic status. Rooted in the Chinese Civil War’s conclusion, with the Communist Party of China’s victory over the Kuomintang, National Day is celebrated with vibrant parades, fireworks, and cultural performances, especially in Tiananmen Square, showcasing China’s military might and technological advancements. Beyond official festivities, this is a time for family reunions, traditional customs, and special meals. It serves as a reminder of China’s modernization journey and its aspirations for the future, fostering national unity and pride among the Chinese people. Amidst China’s evolution, National Day upholds the nation’s identity, fostering reflection, unity, and celebration. It honors the past and inspires a brighter future.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
For National Day family dinners, the focus is on joyous gatherings rather than specific symbolic dishes. In celebration of New China’s birthday, we can enjoy Birthday Noodles, prepared to our liking. Highlighting national pride, we present dishes such as Peking duck from Beijing, embodying culinary artistry and cultural heritage. Xiaolongbao from Jiangsu and Shanghai showcases culinary creativity, as does Yangzhou fried rice, a culinary legacy dating back to the late Qing Dynasty. Adding to culinary diversity is Char Siu, a Cantonese roast pork, while Sichuan’s Ma Po Tofu and Kung Pao chicken are beloved locally and internationally. Sweet and Sour Pork, originating in Western China, is a global favorite. Wontons from Northern China provide comforting flavors and are enjoyed worldwide.
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Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein
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Classic Yangzhou Fried Rice
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Sticky Char Siu Pork Ribs
CHONGYANG FESTIVAL 重阳节
(chung yeung zit)
9th day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, usually in October
Also known as the Double Ninth Festival, the Chongyang Festival is a time-honored Chinese holiday with roots tracing back to the Warring States Period. The ninth day of the ninth month is considered a double yang day, giving rise to the festival’s name “Chongyang,” meaning “double nine.” In recent years, the Double Ninth Festival has evolved into the Elderly Festival, aligning with the Chinese language where “nine” sounds similar to “long,” symbolizing longevity. People honor their ancestors and elderly loved ones through various activities on this day. During the Chongyang Festival, people ascend mountains in pursuit of longevity and well-being. Chrysanthemums, the festival’s emblematic flowers, represent long life and prosperity. Children take to the skies, flying kites that are believed to usher in good fortune and happiness.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
A central tradition of the Chongyang Festival is consuming chrysanthemum-themed dishes, including Chongyang Cake, which symbolizes progress and promotion in the following year. Drinking chrysanthemum wine, a tradition dating back to ancient times, is believed to prolong life. The homophony of “Chongyang” and “very long time” adds to the auspicious meaning of the festival, as chrysanthemum wine is specially brewed on this day. Hairy crabs and mutton are prized seasonal delicacies during this festival, and mutton is eaten to symbolize longevity, as the Chinese word for “sheep” is homophonous with “yáng.” Although no specific symbolic foods are eaten at this festival, dishes are prepared in accordance with the autumn season and with consideration for the favorites and dietary needs of the elderly.
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Chongyang Cake
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Black Pepper Crab
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Cumin Lamb and Leek Stir-Fry
WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL 冬至节
(dung zi zit)
Falls between December 21st and December 23rd of the Gregorian calendar
The Chinese Winter Solstice Festival, or Dongzhi, is one of the most celebrated holidays in China. It is a time for families to gather, worship their ancestors, and feast on traditional delicacies. The festival celebrates the start of winter, marking the turning point on the calendar where the days start to get longer and the nights start to get shorter. Dongzhi has its roots in the Chinese concept of yin and yang, an ancient symbol of harmony and balance. In Chinese culture, it is believed that during the winter solstice, there is too much yin (cold) energy, so people consume foods that are more yang (warm) in nature to counteract it. The festival was discovered over 2,500 years ago during the Han Dynasty by a wise man named Zhou Fong while using a sundial. It truly prospered during the Tang and Song Dynasties. Dongzhi is a time to celebrate family, the seasons, and ancestors.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
During the Dongzhi Festival in southern China, families gather to enjoy Tangyuan rice balls, symbolizing reunion. In northern China, meat-filled fatty dumplings are prevalent, while in the east, especially Zhejiang and Fujian, wonton soup is a must-eat. Western and northern China favors mutton for its perceived blood replenishment benefits and is therefore considered a healthy food to eat in winter. In the south, roasted meats are preserved and eaten. They have become an indispensable delicacy on the dinner tables of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. Inspired by animals hibernating, people rest, consume ginger-infused foods, and indulge in high-yang herbs like ginseng for relaxation and stress relief. Here are some Chinese dishes that will help you curb the winter months.
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Tangyuan - Glutinous Rice Balls
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Baked Barbeque Pork Buns
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Pork Wonton Noodle Soup
LABA FESTIVAL 腊八节
(lááp báát zit)
8th day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, usually in January
The Laba Festival, rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, began as a farmers’ celebration featuring a multigrain porridge and sacrifices to seek blessings for a fruitful harvest and prosperity in the coming year. A lasting tradition involves offering sacrifices to ancestors and gods, originally tied to agricultural hopes. While contemporary rituals are less formal, sacrifices are now made to honor departed family members. Temple visits on this day may not always signify strong religious beliefs; many seek to express wishes for spring’s warmth and renewal. The Laba Festival encapsulates a time of warmth, unity, and reflection, celebrating changing seasons, paying homage to ancestors, fostering hope and optimism for the upcoming year, and emphasizing the importance of offering to the poor and needy.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
The Laba Festival is a time for culinary delights, with Laba Congee, also known as Eight Treasure Congee, taking center stage. As the name suggests, this hearty porridge contains eight ingredients, brimming with a medley of grains, nuts, and dried fruits. It is not only delicious but also believed to ward off the winter chill and usher in good fortune for the new year. Beyond Laba congee, a diverse array of pickled vegetables and special dishes add flavor and color to the tables during the Laba Festival. Adhering to the Buddhist influence on the festival’s traditions, many families choose vegetarian options during the Laba Festival. We have compiled a collection of diverse Chinese traditional dishes that can be shared with family and friends during this festive and heartwarming occasion.
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Laba Congee
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KITCHEN GOD FESTIVAL 灶神节
(zou sàn zit)
23rd day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, usually in January
The Chinese Kitchen God Festival, also known as Little New Year, marks the culmination of Spring festival preparations. This celebration honors Zao Jun, the benevolent deity guarding the kitchen and hearth, ensuring household well-being and reports their deeds to the Jade Emperor, the supreme ruler of the heavens, on the eve of the Lunar New Year. Families clean their homes, symbolizing the removal of negativity and preparing for new beginnings. Elaborate offerings of incense, treats, and paper effigies are burned to send Zao Jun on his heavenly journey. Sticky candy is dabbed on the Kitchen God’s mouth to sweeten his report to the Jade Emperor, symbolizing a wish for good fortune and luck in the new year. The festival embodies Chinese culture, blending traditions, and family values, emphasizing filial piety, respect for the divine, and the pursuit of a harmonious and prosperous life.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
In the heartwarming Kitchen God Festival, sweets take center stage, adding a touch of sweetness to the festivities. Across different regions of China, families lovingly prepare a variety of homemade sweets and sugar candies to offer to the Kitchen God. One such cherished treat is Zaotang, known as Hearth Candy, featuring a sugar exterior with a hollow center coated with sesame seeds. In various parts of China, households may present offerings like Malt Sugar Rice Krispies and Nian Gao, especially in the Southern region. As the Kitchen God Festival, often referred to as Little New Year, unfolds, families gather for a heartfelt meal together. The spirit of togetherness creates a warm and joyous atmosphere. While there are no specific symbolic foods, the act of sharing dishes becomes a meaningful tradition.
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Zaotang - Hearth Candy
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Malt Sugar Glutinous Rice Krispy
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Classic Nian Gao - Glutinous Rice Cake
CHINESE NEW YEAR'S EVE 年卅晚
(nin sáá máán)
Last day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, usually in January or February.
Chinese New Year’s Eve, also known as Lunar New Year’s Eve or the start of the Spring Festival, dates back to the Shang Dynasty but has evolved into a modern celebration centered on family reunion. The day kicks off with an elaborate family dinner, a vital tradition for everyone to reunite and catch up before the week-long festivities. Homes are adorned with red lanterns, couplets, paper cutouts, and New Year’s paintings to symbolize blessings, longevity, health, and peace while keeping evil away. At midnight, families offer prayers to ancestors, and a cherished tradition involves staying awake throughout the night with lively conversations, storytelling, and games, believed to ward off evil spirits and usher in good luck. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, people set off colorful fireworks and loud firecrackers to scare away bad spirits and bring in good luck and happiness for the new year.
A festive feast to share with loved ones:
On the eve of Chinese New Year, families gather for a reunion dinner feast, marking the end of the year and the anticipation of a new beginning. Dumplings, resembling golden ingots, symbolize wealth and prosperity. Prawns, signifying laughter and happiness, are a common dish. Pig’s trotters, echoing a lucky phrase for good fortune, are served to attract wealth. Fat choi, a black moss, sounds like “making a fortune” in Cantonese, while dried oysters, known as ho see, resemble a phrase for good business. Lettuce, sounding like “making money” in Cantonese, is also consumed for financial prosperity. A steamed whole fish, symbolizing surplus, is a traditional dish. Chicken, representing family togetherness, is often served. Fa gao, a Chinese prosperity cake, is prepared to celebrate Lunar New Year’s Eve.