1 day ago
16
January 28, 2025 | 09:10 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of joy, family reunions, and traditions. One of the most exciting aspects of the celebration is the abundance of festive snacks. But, these munchies are more than just tasty, seasonal treats; each of them carries a symbolism for luck, prosperity, and happiness.
Citing Time Out Travel and China Highlights, here are some lucky Chinese New Year snacks to indulge in during this festive season.
1. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are among the most common snacks in Chinese households during CNY gatherings. These dried seeds symbolize wealth, since cracking open the seeds is believed to represent earning lots of money.
2. Sesame Seed Balls
Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, sesame seed balls are a crowd favorite at any festive celebration, notably during the Lunar New Year. These golden-brown delights, made out of glutinous rice flour with red bean paste filling and covered in white sesame seeds, are a symbol of fullness.
3. Yau Kok
Yau kok, also referred to as kok zai, is often filled with sweet fillings like peanuts, sesame, or coconut. Their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, which symbolize wealth and good fortune.
4. Siu Hau Jo
At a glance, siu hau jo, which literally translates to'smiling mouth dates’, has some similarities in appearance with sesame seed balls. In fact, both seasonal treats require glutinous rice flour and sesame seeds in the making process. The only difference is that siu hau jo tend to have a solid texture, making them more crunchy.
These bite-sized cookies are a symbol of happiness and joy, as the name suggests, a delightful addition to your CNY snack platter.
5. Candied Fruit
A Chinese New Year snack tray isn’t complete without candied fruits like winter melon. These treats symbolize a good start and end to the year. Aside from candied fruits, candied lotus roots are also typical Chinese New Year snacks.
6. Red Dates
Red dates, or hong zao, carry the symbolism of prosperity and success. Specifically speaking, the Chinese character for dates ( zo) has the same way of pronunciation as that of early ( zo), meaning that eating a red date signifies the hope for a prosperous start to the year. Chinese people usually serve red dates as dried fruits.
7. Peanuts
In Chinese culture, peanuts carry the symbolism of vitality, honor, and long life, hence being called "longevity nuts." Whether they’re roasted, stir-fried, or boiled, peanuts are a meaningful snack to enjoy during the Lunar New Year.
8. Walnut Cookies
Beneath their soft texture and nutty flavor, walnut cookies carry a deep meaning, which is a symbol of happiness. Regardless of what message they tell, these delectable munchies are sure something you cannot resist.
9. Fried Dough Twists
Fried dough twists are made from two or three bars of dough twisted together. Their signature look is somehow in line with the symbolism they carry, which is a reunion. These crispy nibbles are much adored in North China.
10. Caramel Treats
Your CNY gathering will not be perfect with a serving of caramel treats. These cube-shaped delights symbolize sweetness and good fortune and are enjoyed by family members of all ages.
Aside from these delectable munchies, there are more foods in Chinese culture that are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Our article on Chinese New Year dishes will introduce you to CNY delicacies that carry deep symbolism.
TIMEOUT | CHINA HIGHLIGHTS
Editor’s Choice: What Does Mandarin Orange Mean in Chinese New Year?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
List of 5 Things Associated with Chinese New Year
5 jam lalu
There are certain decorations and foods that enliven the celebration of Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year 2025 in London: Best Places to Celebrate the Festive Event
9 jam lalu
Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in London! Discover the best places for parades and lantern displays in London to seize the CNY spirit.
Chinese New Year 2025: The Nusa Dua in Bali Presents Lion Dance, Wushu Performances
9 jam lalu
Welcoming the 2025 Chinese New Year, The Nusa Dua area in Bali presents Chinese arts and culture attractions such as wushu and lion dance.
Does Thailand Celebrate the Lunar New Year? Here's All You Need to Know
23 jam lalu
Does Thailand celebrate the Lunar New Year? Find out how the SEA country catches the festivity of Chinese New Year with vibrant festivals.
Lion Dance Singapore 2025: 10 Best Places to Watch the Iconic Performance
23 jam lalu
Discover the best places to watch lion dance performances in Singapore during the Lunar New Year 2025. Celebrate the CNY with vibrant traditions!
Yogyakarta Hotel Occupancy Reaches 100 Percent During Isra Miraj - Chinese New Year Holidays
1 hari lalu
Hotel business actors in Yogyakarta recorded a maximum increase in occupancy during the long Isra Miraj and Chinese New Year holidays this year.
Long Holidays, 1.5 Million Vehicles Estimated to Pass on Tangerang-Merak Toll Road
1 hari lalu
As many as 1.5 million vehicles will cross the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road during the long Isra Miraj and Chinese New Year 2025 holidays.
BMKG Warns of Extreme Weather during Isra Miraj and Chinese New Year Holidays
1 hari lalu
The Meteorology, Climatology, & Geophysics Agency (BMKG) urges the public to be aware of extreme weather on Isra Miraj & Chinese New Year holidays.
395,000 Vehicles Leave Greater Jakarta Ahead of Chinese New Year Long Holiday
1 hari lalu
Jasa Marga recorded that 395,701 vehicles left the Greater Jakarta (Jabotabek) area on D-3 to D-2 of Isra Mi'raj and Chinese New Year holidays.
KAI Offers 1.3mn Seats for Long Holidays
2 hari lalu
State railway operator KAI offers a cost-effective and comfortable travel solution for the public during the long holidays.
