Chinese take huge pride in the family gathering and that, too, at the occasion of New Year Eve reunion dinner when it’s of sheer importance to have mandatory attendance.
The presence is taken such passionately that if a family member truly can’t attend the dinner eve, a spare set of plate, besides the existing family members, is placed on the dinner table to notify their absence is being missed.
A myth goes by the monster named Nian, mentioned hereinbefore, who would terrorize the villagers every year, and people would hide in a safe shelter, prepare a feast, and pray for their safety.
Arising out of those myths and some commonly shared trend, foods have found a special place in the New Year celebration, as the major dishes which are produced on the evening dinner is now seen as associated with the good health, wellbeing, promotions, hike in salaries, and business growth.
These are called to hail luck, and good fortune for the Chinese people and are majorly eaten during the 16-day festival season of the CNY. It’s not only the dishes matter but also the method of preparation, ways of serving, and eating them that means a lot for Chinese people.
The most important foods for Chinese New Year Eve are dumplings, Nian Gao, steamed chicken and fish, spring rolls, dumplings, and noodles.