新年快樂 is Mandarin for “Happy New Year!” One of my favorite celebrations is Chinese New Year. I love all the traditions celebrated during the festival. I like the shows, the dancing, the parades, the costumes and colorful masks, and the beautiful lanterns. Lets take a look at some interesting facts and foods you’ll want to eat right up!
Supposedly, the Yellow Emperor brought Chinese New Year into custom in 4709 B.C.! When this event became a tradition in most of Eastern China, it quickly spread across Western China and into Iran! Every year one of the twelve animals a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, or pig would represent the year. There are many traditions when it comes to Chinese New Year. Dances, games, rituals, and parades are held, but the most special part is the food!
One meal the Chinese would have eaten was Fat Choy, a vegetarian dish made out of black algae only eaten on the day of Chinese New Year. Another dish is a simple meal called Bakkuia. It is a large piece of beef that is steamed and smothered in sauce. This was usually given as a gift on Chinese New Year Day. Then finally, the oldest recipe in Chiese New Year history, Nian Gao. A steamed savory rice cake also known as Tikoy. This treat originated in Eastern China.
Today, Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world and most of the traditions are still celebrated. Most of the traditional foods are still eaten. My experience so far with Chinese New Year has been great. I hope to learn a lot more about it in the future. I also hope that after I learn about Chinese New Year I can share it with my friends and family. I hope that I can find more Chinese recipes and maybe try them for myself.
The Galileo School 