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. 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. 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. And this one is a tradition. This might look like the worst of Chinese New Year food, but it could turn out to be one of the best! Meat. Chinese New year food is especially plentiful on the Eve of the festival, when in addition to Buddhist’s Delight, many meats are eaten, including fish, the word for which sounds like the word for prosperity 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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 Posted in See Taiwan Tagged eat, food, food adventures, foodie, good luck, lunar new year, new year, new year goods, nom nom, prosperity, taiwanese 6 Comments Post navigation ← Day before Lunar New Year is the busiest time of the year 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. My brother came to stay with us last Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year, but most Taiwanese people I’ve met call it Chinese New Year). I was a little apprehensive about finding things to do during the trip as CNY presents a unique challenge for visitors in that the first few days everything tends to be closed, and then the last few days everything tends to be overwhelmingly busy. 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 Dang , no pics on the phone of the food so far. Tis the BBQ season. Now wrapping up work then back to kore BBQ this new year season with family. The Spring Festival is a time for family reunions and festivities. Many travelers from across the world also travel to Taiwan to celebrate Chinese New Year. Atmosphere. Taiwan has a very unique atmosphere during the Spring Festival. Since most of the Taiwanese population is Chinese, many of the shops in Taiwan close during the Spring Festival. Popular Chinese New Year Foods. Chinese New Year food is one of the most colorful, exciting parts of the fifteen day celebration.Some, like Yu Sheng, or raw fish salad, are eaten on particular days, or every day during the holiday.
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