why chinese eat fish during chinese new year sb dunk low chinese new year

The tradition of eating fish during Chinese New Year dates back centuries and is rooted in the culture’s rich history and symbolism. In Chinese culture, the word for fish “鱼” (yú) sounds like the word for abundance and prosperity, making it a popular symbol for good luck and wealth. Every year, people around the globe celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China or, more commonly, the Chinese New Year (via Cnet).Legend has it that at the beginning of each year, a monster by the name of Nian, the Chinese word for "year," would come and eat villagers. For the Chinese Lunar New Year, many people are eating foods that look like money, sound like good fortune and represent wholeness. Why it matters: "The Chinese believe that you have to have a Eating two fish, one on New Year's Eve and one on New Year's Day, (if written in a certain way) sounds like a wish for a surplus year-after-year. If only one catfish is eaten , eating the upper part of the fish on New Year's Eve and the remainder on the first day of the new year can be spoken with the same homophonic meaning. Culinary traditions during Chinese New Year often highlight fish as a centerpiece, showcasing its significance in symbolizing abundance. Serving a whole fish on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day embodies wishes for prosperity and wealth, aligning with the phrase "nian nian you yu." Here are some key culinary customs surrounding fish: The Preparation and Serving of Fish During Chinese New Year. Fish holds significant meaning in Chinese culture, especially during Chinese New Year. It symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. The Chinese word for fish, “Yu,” sounds like the word for surplus, which is why it’s considered a must-have dish during the festivities. Whole fish are among Lunar New Year's culinary staples, and part of the reason why lies in the presence of homophones in the Chinese language. Because the words 'fish' and 'abundance' share the same pronunciation in Mandarin, many Lunar New Year celebrations began to serve whole fish as a way to manifest incoming wealth in the coming year. Fish is a must for the Chinese New Year. Why does fish symbolize surplus and wealth? In Chinese, fish 鱼 (yú) has the same pronunciation as 余, which means “surplus” or “extra.” The typical blessing is 年年有余 (Nián nián yǒuyú), wishing you to have a surplus (or fish) of food and money every year. Because of this, eating fish for the Lunar New Year symbolizes a surplus of wealth at the end of the year. For the festivities, this Chinese New Year food — usually carp — are most often Symbolizing prosperity, fish is a must for Lunar New Year. Fish (鱼, yu) is a homonym of 余 (yu), meaning surplus or extra. In public buildings like offices, hotels, and malls, visitors will Because of this, eating fish for the Lunar New Year symbolizes a surplus of wealth at the end of the year. For the festivities, this Chinese New Year food — usually carp — are most often Chinese New Year celebrations revolve around food and family Fish holds special symbolic importance and is integral to the traditional reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve The pronunciation of fish in Mandarin and Cantonese sounds like the words for “surplus” or “abundance”, so eating fish represents hopes for prosperity in the coming year. Mention Chinese New Year food, dumplings, fish, glutinous rice balls, and niangao may come into mind. Food plays an important role in Chinese New Year and certain foods which have symbolic meanings of luck and auspiciousness are especially popular and essential during the festival. Here are 7 Chinese New Year Foods that will bring you good luck. The practice of eating fish on New Year has its roots in ancient cultures, particularly in China and Europe. In these regions, fish was considered a symbol of wealth and abundance. Additionally, the scales on the fish were said to resemble coins, making it an auspicious food to eat during the New Year. The History of Eating Fish on New Year in Eating fish during Chinese New Year is believed to bring surplus and abundance in the coming year. The Chinese word for fish, yu, sounds similar to the word for surplus, making it a popular choice for the celebration. Fish is a must on the table of every chinese family during CNY. Usually a whole fish is served. Fish symbolises abundance or surplus for the year because “fish” and “surplus” are both pronounced yu, and the unfinished fish is thus a good portent referring to the expression "nian nian you yu" or surplus for every year. 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.) Eating fish during Chinese New Year is a tradition that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is associated with several auspicious meanings. The word for fish in Chinese, "yu" (鱼), sounds similar to the word for surplus or abundance (余), symbolizing prosperity and wealth. Therefore, having fish during the New Year's Eat your fish dish last during the holiday and leave a bit on the plate. Having some fish left over at the end can signify surpluses every year. Some traditions even have you eat one half of the fish on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the second half at the beginning of the year. It is customary to serve a fish whole, but we won’t hold that It’s a delicious way to celebrate culture and welcome the new year. FAQ What should you avoid eating during the Lunar New Year? Avoid foods like porridge or bitter melon. These symbolize poverty or hardship. Stick to dishes that represent prosperity, happiness, and abundance for good luck. Can you eat Lunar New Year dishes after the celebration?

why chinese eat fish during chinese new year sb dunk low chinese new year
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