A Tray of Togetherness is typically filled with candied fruits, seeds and nuts, many of which are only available around Chinese New Year. Here in the United States, it’s common to see candied coconut, lotus seeds and other items sold in Chinatown in small packages for less than $2 apiece. The Chinese New Year Tray of Togetherness is filled with traditional chinese new year candies, which is mostly candied fruits and vegetables, and chinese favorites like dried melon seeds. You don't really see these type of candies the rest of the year, but as Chinese New Year comes around they are really being sold everywhere! Yum, yum yum!! The Tray of Togetherness (Chinese New Year Candy Box) is a pretty container with 6 to 8 compartments filled with candy, seeds, and nuts. The food items in each compartment are carefully selected to symbolize a desirable attribute for the coming year. These foods are chosen because they are homonyms or they sound like an auspicious word. The Tray of Togetherness is a platter of sweets families traditionally use to welcome visiting guests around the Lunar New Year. Each tray or box usually has six or eight compartments (the number I never understood the significance of the Chinese New Year Candy Box a.k.a. Tray of Togetherness until much later in life. It is strange how little things I took for granted because they were there each and every year we celebrated the Chinese New Year in Malaysia were missed when we moved to the United States. The Tray of Togetherness has been a part of Chinese New Year celebrations for centuries. “The candy trays were a popular treat in family gatherings from as far back as the Ming Dynasty in 1567 The Chinese New Year prosperity tray, also known as the Tray of Togetherness, is usually a hexagonal or round dish that contains eight traditional candy varieties. The number eight represents prosperity, and each candy has symbolic significance. One cherished tradition during Lunar New Year is the preparation and presentation of the Togetherness Tray that is essential in both the Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. The Togetherness Tray is typically an ornate circular or geometric tray with six or eight compartments containing an assortment of symbolic treats and delicacies. While it is possible to find togetherness trays made of expensive wood such as teak, inexpensive versions made of plastic (like the one in the photo) are readily available in Asian grocery stores throughout the New Year season. The tray has eight compartments, as the Chinese consider the number eight to be extremely lucky. While it is possible to find togetherness trays made of expensive wood such as teak, inexpensive versions made of plastic (like the one in the photo) are readily available in Asian grocery stores throughout the New Year season. The tray has eight compartments, as the Chinese consider the number eight to be extremely lucky. The box is generally used for Chinese New Year, though some regional Chinese cultures may use it for other important events such as Chinese marriages. [2] Usually it consists of 12, 9, 8 or 6 (Chinese auspicious lucky numbers, see Chinese numerology) compartments that contain sugar preserved dried fruits and vegetables, wrapped candies, fried snacks, and nuts. For many families, the Tray of Togetherness makes an appearance once a year. It’s pulled out from storage in the days leading up to Lunar New Year and gradually filled to the brim with an array They are especially popular during the Chinese New Year season, but you can enjoy them all year long! Throughout the Chinese New Year season, it is customary to offer guests an assortment of treats from a Tray of Togetherness - a circular or octagonal shaped tray filled with an assortment of symbolic foods to provide a sweet beginning to the The Chinese Tray of Togetherness – a round tin box with dried fruits, roasted watermelon seeds and other treats for the Lunar New Year celebration. The Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most celebrated holiday in Chinese communities worldwide. This year, the first day of the two-week celebration falls on February 12. The Chinese New Year prosperity tray, also known as the Tray of Togetherness, is usually a hexagonal or round dish that contains eight traditional candy varieties. The number eight represents prosperity, and each candy has symbolic significance. When I was growing up, my grandmother had a strict no-snacking-before-dinner rule, but there was one exception: Chinese New Year. Once a year, she’d put out her Tray of Togetherness, or Chinese New Year candy box, on the coffee table for a few weeks, and my sister and I would giddily attack its contents every time we were at her house and fight over the popular candy flavors. Celebrate the spirit of togetherness during Chinese New Year with a festive Tray of Togetherness filled with candies, goodies, and coins. Embrace the winter season with this traditional holiday tradition. 2 Pcs Fruit Plate Chinese Wedding Snack Tray Serving Tray Appetizer Tray Rectangle Plates Platter Decoration Funky Chinese New Year Tray Chinese New Year Candy Tray Trays Party Abs $16.49 $ 16 . 49 Save 6% on 2 select item(s) During Chinese New Year, families indulge in the Tray of Togetherness, sample Nian Gao for good luck, and savour an eight-course feast, each steeped in tradition and symbolic meaning. A delicious ode to food, family, and togetherness that celebrates Lunar New Year. A little girl and her family are hosting a New Year party, an event marking the Lunar New Year. There’s a lot to do before the guests arrive! First, a trip to the market to fill up the Tray of Togetherness, a special candy box for the partygoers.
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