These are 8 mandatory foods for Chinese New Year that are full of philosophy!

On Chinese New Year, amidst family laughter, hopes and prayers, there is a dominance of red and gold decorations and warm food to complement it. Of course, every dish served on the table is not chosen haphazardly.

Behind its delicious taste, there is a long philosophy hidden and it has become a symbolic language that is passed down across generations. It takes the form of conveying prayers for good fortune, health, harmony and long life without words.

This is also the reason why some foods are considered special or mandatory, and are always tried to be present, even though times continue to change.

Characteristics of mandatory foods during Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year follows the calculations of the Chinese calendar, namely the lunisolar calendar or a combination of lunar and solar calculations. In simple terms, Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first new moon after the winter solstice (winter solstice).

So, it’s not surprising that the mandatory food during Chinese New Year is usually dominated by warm food to restore energy. Broth soups, steamed dishes, stews, and light stir-fries are preferred over raw or cold foods.

Apart from that, traditionally, warm food is believed to help improve circulation and maintain body balance which is also influenced by the yin and yang philosophy.

Selling Sincia Chinese New Year Packaging Boxes of Dry Cake Jars CNY Hampers |

Eating and Drinking Tools Boxes Jars Cookies Packaging Chinese New Year Sincia CNY Hampers | TB-LAMP price IDR 212,500 sent from DKI Jakarta. Easy and Safe Online Buying and Selling on the Jakmall.com site

Winter is synonymous with energy yin (cold, passive), so that at the beginning of spring (Chinese New Year) food with properties Which (warm, active) is more recommended. Chinese New Year dishes are there not just to fill you up, but to prepare your body for a more active phase of life.

However, in tropical countries like Indonesia, winter is certainly not felt, but this tradition still survives because of its inherent meaning. That’s why even though the weather is hot, Chinese New Year food is still dominated by cooked and warm dishes, not cold or raw foods.

Mandatory Food During Chinese New Year

To accompany you in celebrating Chinese New Year, Jakmall has several types of mandatory food during Chinese New Year as well as the philosophy contained in them!

1. Mandarin Oranges

In Mandarin, orange has a pronunciation that is very close to the word it means luck And That does not. This play on the sound of words is very important in Chinese culture because it is believed to bring prayers and good wishes through everyday language.

The golden orange color of oranges symbolizes gold, wealth and success. Its round shape also symbolizes wholeness, completeness and a good life cycle.

Apart from that, the time to harvest mandarin oranges coincides with Chinese New Year. This makes it a symbol of nature or the universe “celebrating” the new year, signifying freshness, new life, and new growing hope.

2. Cakes and Sweets

The Chinese New Year table is also often decorated with various pastries and sweets in an octagonal container known as a tray of togetherness. Each content has a symbolic meaning, not just sweetener.

Like the lapis legit cake which symbolizes multi-layered fortune and patience, red or pink colored cupcakes are often chosen because they are thought to bring good luck, to dried fruit and traditional candy which are considered symbols of a sweet and warm life throughout the year.

The common thread of these cakes and sweets is the hope that life in the new year will be sweet and enjoyable. Apart from that, for children this dish is certainly the most awaited dish, and for adults, sweet treats are a reminder that a balanced life is not only about hard work, but also enjoying the results.

Selling Yuka Cheongsam Women’s Batik Dress Chinese New Year Couple Christmas CNY

Yuka Cheongsam Dress Women’s Batik Dress Chinese New Year Couple Christmas CNY Red Uniform price IDR 140,000 sent from Tangerang, Banten. Easy and Safe Online Buying and Selling on the Jakmall.com site

3. Basket Cake

Apart from cakes and sweet foods, another cake that is mandatory during Chinese New Year and is irreplaceable is basket cake. The texture is sticky and the taste is sweet, symbolizing close family relationships, and life getting better from year to year.

Say nian means year, whereas gao means high or rising. This cake is usually arranged in tiers when served as an offering. After that, the basket cake can be processed again, for example fried with eggs or steamed with grated coconut.

The aroma of heated basket cakes is a sign and increases the longing that Chinese New Year has truly arrived. It’s time to meet and gather with family.

4. Roast Duck and Pork

Ducks and pigs are animals that have long been considered symbols of abundance. Both require sufficient feed, maintenance time, and cooking techniques that are not simple.

For this reason, serving it during Chinese New Year reflects the hope for a life that is sufficient, stable and not lacking. Apart from that, whole roasted meat also symbolizes the integrity of the beginning of life and the end that goes well.

5. Whole Chicken

After snacks, it’s time to move on to the main meal during Chinese New Year. Whole chickens are often served as boiled chicken or soy sauce chicken which symbolizes family unity.

The word whole here is not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual. Chinese New Year is a time when all family members are expected to gather, make peace, and start the new year without old conflicts.

Chickens also symbolize perseverance and hard work. In Chinese philosophy, chickens are known to be diligent and disciplined, waking up early to welcome the day. This value is in line with the hope that in the new year we will be inspired to work and live better.

Sell ​​NLSLASI Chinese Tea Coaster Chinese Wooden Tea Tray – NL29

Kitchen Equipment & Cooking Tools NLSLASI Chinese Tea Coaster Chinese Wooden Tea Tray – NL29 price Rp. 41,100 sent from DKI Jakarta. Easy and Safe Online Buying and Selling on the Jakmall.com site

6. Steamed fish

Fish is almost always present on the Chinese New Year dinner table. In Mandarin, fish is called Youwhich is pronounced the same as the word “excess” or “abundance”.

The philosophy is simple, but strong enough, which can also be interpreted as the hope that there will always be more sustenance in the new year, not just enough. Tradition suggests that fish be served whole, complete with head and tail.

It symbolizes the beginning and end of a smooth year. In fact, in some families, the fish is not completely consumed as a symbol that abundance will “remain” until the following year.

7. Longevity Noodles

Mi long life or chang shou mian is a symbol of hope for long life and health. These noodles are usually not cut because cutting the noodles is believed to be a symbol of cutting off age.

So when cooking and eating, the noodles are left long. Longevity noodles are usually served with a light sauce, accompanied by vegetables and a simple protein.

It doesn’t have to be luxurious because the main focus is not on luxury, but on the prayer that accompanies it, and the symbolic meaning in it. In many families, these noodles are eaten mindfully, not in a hurry.

8.Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings are shaped like ancient gold bars which in Chinese culture are a symbol of wealth. Therefore, dumplings are believed to bring financial luck.

The more dumplings eaten during Chinese New Year, the greater the hope for good fortune in the new year. In some families, making dumplings is a shared activity.

The process of wrapping dumplings is carried out in a busy manner, while talking and laughing. There is also a tradition of slipping a clean coin into one of the dumplings as a symbol of great luck for whoever gets it.

Through the food served during Chinese New Year, we know that the best wishes are often served in the quietest and simplest form, namely a plate of warm food at the family table.

Jakmall has recommendations for household equipment, as well as yoga and fitness equipment such as glasses, coasters and spoons at cheaper prices, because they come directly from the center!