Reunion Dinner Part 2

It is a tradition for family members from near and far to gather for the reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year. This is an important event as it signifies strong family ties. A sumptuous dinner was spread for all present. When it comes to typical food eaten during the reunion dinner, this is where it gets interesting......The Chinese always like all things symbolic with good meaning.

Fish - A must because it sounds like “surplus” in Chinese. There is also this Chinese saying, “May there be surpluses every year.” That is why fish is a must item on the menu.

Prawn - This seafood sounds like “laugh” in Chinese. So, it symbolizes happiness for the coming year.

Dried oyster - The pronounciation of oyster in Chinese is similar to “good things”. May the year be filled with good things happening.

Vegetables - This is normally a vegetarian dish topped with “fatt choy” which are black hair-like moss. In the Cantonese dialect, this food item sounds like “prosperity” and is commonly served.

Noodles - They have to be uncut to signify longevity.

Nian gao - This is actually a brownish steam cake made with rice flour and topped with red dates. Nian means year while gao means cake but gao also sounds like “high” in Chinese. So, this represents a “high” year ahead.