What Do Spring Festival People Eat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Tangyuan, dumplings, Nian Gao, and spring rolls

are among the most popular foods eaten during the Chinese Spring Festival each year. The Tangyuan, which is a sweet and sticky rice ball with a sweet filling, is a traditional dessert served in the Chinese New Year.

Which special meal takes place on Spring Festival Eve?


The Chinese New Year dinner also referred to as the “Reunion Dinner”

, is perhaps the most loved aspect of the Spring Festival. It takes place on Chinese New Year’s Eve (February 11th in 2021). If one were to choose only one day of the two-week-long Chinese New Year festival to go home to visit family, this would be it.

What traditional food do Chinese eat during Spring Festival holiday and why?


Sweet Rice Balls

These sweet glutinous rice dumplings, known as tang yuan, are typically eaten during both the Lantern Festival and the Spring Festival. Their round shape symbolizes family togetherness and completeness.

Why do Chinese people eat fish during Spring Festival?

In China, fish

symbolizes an increase or surplus in wealth and prosperity

. It is served complete with head and tail, and is usually either braised or steamed. In some regions, people will cook a whole fish, but only eat half to further symbolize surplus.

What do you eat on Chinese New Year?

  1. Dumplings. …
  2. Spring Rolls. …
  3. Niangao. …
  4. Sweet Rice Balls. …
  5. Noodles. …
  6. Fish. …
  7. Steamed Chicken. …
  8. Fruit and Vegetables.

What is the Favourite food of China?


Peking duck

(北京烤鸭 Běijīng kǎoyā) is a famous dish from Beijing, enjoying world fame, and considered as one of China’s national dishes. Peking duck is savored for its thin and crispy skin. The Sliced Peking duck is often eaten with pancakes, sweet bean sauce, or soy with mashed garlic.

Why do Chinese eat fish on New Year’s?

Foods like fish, fruit, and dumplings are more than mere snacks; they’re

symbols of luck and prosperity

, and eating them is thought to invite both into your life in the days to come.

What do you do during the Spring Festival?

  1. Laba porridge. …
  2. Cleaning and decoration. …
  3. Eating Jiaozi. …
  4. Watching gala shows on TV. …
  5. Exchanging gifts. …
  6. Fireworks. …
  7. Greetings. …
  8. Friends gathering.

Why do Chinese eat dumplings on New Year?

Dumplings are often eaten on the New Year’s Eve for its Chinese name ‘jiaozi’ has a

meaning of changing of years

. … – symbol of wealth for its shape like an ancient Chinese gold ingot. – Lucky coins will be hidden in dumplings and someone who discovers them can get the best of luck and great wealth in the coming year.

What are lucky foods for Chinese New Year?


Oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos

are common Chinese New Year gifts because they’re believed to bring good luck and happiness. The Chinese words for “orange” and “tangerine” closely resemble the words for “luck” and “wealth.” The gold color of these fruits also symbolizes prosperity.

Why do Chinese eat dumplings?

The reason is, that

the dumplings are made in the shape of China’s ancient money – ingots

. People eat dumplings during Chinese New Year (CNY) to wish good wealth in the new year. … Those who eat coins and candy will have wealthy and sweet lives in the coming year. Those who eat peanuts will live longer and healthier.

What is the most famous festival in China?


Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the biggest Chinese festival both socially and economically. Its origin can be traced to the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC -1046 BC).

Can you eat meat on Chinese New Year?

Don’t eat meat on the first and 15th day of the new year,

go vegetarian

. (This is to ensure a long and happy life). On the 15th day is the first full moon of the lunar new year.

Why do we eat Chinese food on New Year’s Eve?

Somehow it’s become a tradition that people order Chinese food on Dec. 31. Food historians and local restaurant owners don’t know how or why, but one thing is clear:

it’s the go-to meal for gatherings or quiet nights at home

. … Years ago lots of places were closed and Chinese restaurants were not.”

What should you not eat on New Year’s Day?

  • Poultry & Winged Fowl. You should avoid eating anything with wings on New Year’s Day because it is believed your good luck will “fly away” with your meal. …
  • Lobster, Shrimp & Crab. …
  • Bottom-Feeding Fish. …
  • White-Colored Foods. …
  • Short Noodles. …
  • Keep Leftovers. …
  • Don’t Pass the Knife.

What activities do they do on Chinese New Year?

The main Chinese New Year activities include 1)

putting up decorations

, 2) eating reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, 3) firecrackers and fireworks, 4) giving red envelopes and other gifts, and 5) watching lion and dragon dances. See more on how Chinese People Celebrate Chinese New Year.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.