Chinese New year is almost upon us, and while here in Taiwan it’s a holiday steeped in both culture and tradition, for many locals, the most exciting aspect about this time of the year is the food on the table. Chinese new year is the biggest holiday for most families in Taiwan, it is also my favorite. Visiting families, eating, going to temples, eat some more, play with firecrackers, and eat again. It’s fair to say that Chinese new year is all about eating- especially now, most people don’t have time to follow all the traditions, the traditions These noodles are known as longevity noodles — "changshou mian" (長壽麵) — and represent long life. They are traditionally eaten on Lunar New Year’s Day but can be consumed throughout the festive period. 3. Rice. I know, I know, rice is eaten just about every day in Taiwan, and of course, the Lunar New Year is no exception. The Taiwanese dish 豬腳麵線 (zhu jiao mian xian), or pig knuckles with vermicelli noodles, is popularly eaten on the first day of the New Year. The primary symbolism behind this dish is one of longevity; the long length of the noodles are seen as the strands of one’s life. Culinary Delights: Traditional New Year Foods. Chinese New Year in Taiwan is a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to food. Traditional dishes are laden with symbolism, each representing prosperity, happiness, or longevity. 1. Dumplings. Dumplings are a must-have during the New Year celebrations. The Lunar New Year is Taiwan's most important and longest holiday. You may have also heard of it referred to as the “Chinese New Year” but the reality is that many cultures around the world celebrate it, including Taiwan. One of the many hallmarks of this 16-day celebration is the feasting involved. Its popularity leads to long queues and the use of a number-ticket waiting system before the Lunar New Year. The essence of the Lunar New Year lies in reunion, and the bountiful New Year's dishes call back family members who have been adventuring outside. On Lunar New Year's Eve, family members enjoy delicious food and stay up late chatting Culinary Delights: A Taste of Taiwan. No visit to Taiwan during Chinese New Year is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. From traditional dishes like dumplings and niangao (sticky rice cake) to street food favorites such as stinky tofu and beef noodle soup, Taiwan offers a culinary adventure for any food lover. The chicken served at the table during Chinese New Year should be consumed completely. Chicken represents the gathering or union of the family. New Year celebrations revolve around family reunions. Pineapple via 54613 on Shutterstock. Served fresh or as a cake, pineapple is a hit during Chinese New Year. The fruit symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Food plays a central role in the Chinese New Year celebrations. Indulge in traditional dishes such as dumplings, nian gao (rice cake), and fish, which symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Don’t miss the chance to try pineapple cakes, a popular Taiwanese treat, and explore the bustling night markets for a taste of local street food. When is Chinese New Year in Taiwan? Since the Chinese lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the dates of Lunar New Year vary by year. Chinese New Year occurs on the new moon that appears anytime between January 21 and February 20. The 2025 date for Chinese New Year in Taiwan is Wednesday, January 29. 2025 Taiwan Lunar New Year dates / Taipei Lunar. Lunar New Year in 2025 in Taiwan and Taipei falls on the 29 January 2025. Most Taiwanese and local people will be off the whole week from 25 January to 2 February 2025 and many escape the cities or leave home to celebrate with their families. Lunar New Year is more than money in red envelopes or meeting distant relatives during the annual family get together. Just like how Christian faith has turned Christmas into such a family-centric holiday, Lunar New Year is rooted in Buddhist and Taoist traditions that similarly emphasize the significance of family reunions and ending and starting a new year together. Chinese New Year 2024 Holiday Dates. In 2025, Chinese New Year Day is on Wednesday, January 29. Everyone will be off work from Saturday January 25 to Sunday, February 2, which is nine days off. This year is a little interesting in that people will have several days off before the actual LNY date. Most Americans consider January 1 the start of the new year, but many Asians and Asian-Americans don’t. Instead, they follow Lunar New Year, also referred to as Chinese New Year in the U.S., which begins on January 29, 2025. (That’s the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, BTW.) 2020 was the Year of the Rat according to the 12 year animal zodiac cycle. The new year in 2020 started on January 25th. Chinese New Year Origins. Chinese New Year (過年) is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. In China, it is known as ‘Spring Festival’, the literal translation of the Chinese name 春節 (Pinyin I will link each aspect of Lunar New Year as the 15 days of celebration (Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days) goes by. Be sure to check back. Read about: Where to go for Lunar New Year? What to do on New Years Eve? What food to eat during Lunar New Year? Where to go to pray for love? academic? money? will update and link as each aspect gets What are the animals of the zodiac? Each year honors an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig — measure the cycles of time. Because the lunar and solar calendars don’t match up, Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year. Generally speaking, it falls in the period between late January and early February. About Chinese New Year in Taiwan. Chinese New Year is definitely the most important of all of Taiwan’s traditional holidays, and it is also the longest.
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