February 14th is especially auspicious this year--not only is it Valentine's Day but it also marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It may be 2010 on our Western calendar but according to some Chinese scholars we're entering the year 4707! Food and family are at the center of the 2 week celebration and everything eaten has a specific meaning: uncut noodles for longevity, kumquats, clementines and oranges for wealth and good fortune, eggs for fertility and whole fish or chicken for prosperity. Cakes, both sweet and savory, are eaten to symbolize family unity. I'm thinking of making the traditional New Year's cake, called Neen Gow, from Grace Young's The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen. What about you? How will you ring in the Year of the Tiger? What foods bring you luck?
February 10, 2010
Year of the Tiger
Posted by Dawn PerryComments (3)
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From: Tolana | 2/10/10 at 11:39 pm
I've been living in Korea for 4 years now and I've tried a number of traditional Lunar New Years foods. My favorite food to eat on this holiday would be Chinese longevity noodles.
From: Michele Witt | 2/11/10 at 9:47 am
I loved your Chinese New Year Show!I am decorating in red~ this year, and I am going to try some of your recipe suggestions.(I am not sure which ones)I usually eat out at any, all local Chinese and Japanese Restaurants to be lucky...
From: Leah | 2/11/10 at 12:05 pm
Barefoot Books has a great book for teaching kids about the Chinese Lunar Calendar called The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac as well as several other stories that celebrate Chinese stories and Tradition. My kids have enjoyed learning through reading. We're headed to our local Chinese New Year celebration this weekend, should be fun!
http://store.barefootbooks.com/the-great-race-2.html?bf_affiliate_code=000-03i7