The Chinese New Year begins today. It’s a time for dusting away the cobwebs of the old year, buying new clothes, paying your debts (and collecting what’s owed!) and for new beginnings. Sounds much like the Indian New Year.
2012 is the year of the Dragon – The Black Water Dragon to be precise. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength and good luck. It represents good negotiations and as water calms the Black Water Dragon’s fire, it becomes more perceptive of others’ needs. It is more likely to be diplomatic, act wisely and intelligently and make some smart decisions. I like this dragon already.
Oriental traditions are some of my favourite. When I lived in Japan, I loved learning about all the different rituals and especially the foods eaten at specific festivals. The Chinese have many, many foods served specifically at New Year – each with their own representations.
- Rice dumplings and oysters mean good fortune
- Clams are for profit and good business omens
- Shrimps and cabbage for wealth and abundance
- Cakes represent peace and harmony
- Candied melon symbolises wealth, virtue, growth and good health
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Happy New Year!
No housework today, dust is your luck today so relax and definitely do not do any chores.
This dragon is a good sign for us all. Some positivity and strength at last. Fab post.
Xx
Thank you David. A great Black Water Dragon and your own Welsh Dragon – I am expecting great things from you x
Brilliant post Urvashi – I did not know that about the clams! Thanks for the info. Happy New Year!! x
It’s amazing what the children’s reference library throws at you isn’t it. My daughter was looking for books on electricity and we came across one that explains all about Chinese customs. Brilliant!
I like the sound of this dragon too. Great fortune cookies, it’d be fun to give them a go. GG
Now I have your lovely blog to follow too. Thanks for visiting x
I have always wondered how they make fortune cookies. I like the secret messages although I can always work out what they mean. It sounds like great fun to write your own. I like that cake represents peace and harmony which I think is apt.
I loved that part too. Baking is my everyday peace and harmony so it makes perfect sense to me!
Happy New Year! I love fortune cookies, so clever! I’m hoping to bake mooncakes soon! X
Ooooh keep me posted. They sound amazing!
Really interesting post. I enjoyed it very much. Chinese food fascinates me because of the layers of meaning involved.
me too. we eat a lot of symbolic foods in India so for me it’s interesting to see the familiarities and differences.