Introduction
Specifically, Chinese New Year or also referred to as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is the most important and popular observed celebration in China . It starts on New Year’s Day and the last day is the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar, being celebrated as the Lantern Festival. The celebration at this time is a reunion of the families in order to pay homage to the ancestors, make good intentions for the coming year and to have abundant and tasty meals that which can symbolize the lucky and prosperous things of life.
It emerged that the Chinese people have an understanding that some foods are lucky to the consumers and their households. China has always put so much emphasis on the appearance and content of the food they prepare for special occasions such as the New Year with specialties in every dish, snack, and treat prepared and served. In this article I am going to present various New Year confectionery product as a gastronomic tour around the selection of traditional non – leavened pastries.
1. Nian Gao (Year Cake)
It has become well known as one of the Chinese New Year specialties called Nian Gao or year cake. Made from rice flour and adoba or fermenting it slightly then cooking the rice cakes on banana leaves, this delicacy is considered lucky and symbolizes a prosperous new year to those who partake of it. The first character of the word ”nianobe” is ”nian” is mean ”year” in Chinese words, the second character of the word ”gao” is mean ”high” or ”tall” in Chinese words. Thus eating Nian Gao is said to help in getting closer to the position or goal in the upcoming year. The same cake also represents prosperity, advancements in wealth or richness hence it must be prepared during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
2. Pineapple Tarts
In Chinese New Year celebration, pineapple tarts are perhaps the most favoured cookies not only in Chinese community but also in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and other South East Asian countries. The pineapple form, it is said, represents ingots or gold bar as a sign of richness. Also, the sweet and sour Filling of the tart symbolizes sweetness that accompanies success or sweet gain for sweet sweat. Some Chinese are even convinced that the pineapple’s prickly skin shields evil forces hence the articles deemed to bring such meanings further enhance an already yummy delicacy.
3. Kueh Bangkit
Kueh Bangkit originates from Indonesia and is a coconut cake which is usually taken during the Chinese New Year festivities. It is prepared by combining fresh grated coconut, rice flour and sugar before it is steamed and then rolled into small cakes or cookies. Based on cultural belief, Kueh Bangkit has similarity with rice dumpling as it is said that ‘White’ colour of the kueh signified purity or basically a new start in life. People believe that by eating this, certain changes occur and lucky things will happen that is why it is called a new year treat.
4. Love Letters
Traditionally known as Love letters, Ang Ku Kueh is a traditional Chinese New Year snack available in Malaysia and Singapore. Inspired by the look, it was named “love letters” because of the fold similar to paper love letters. Red bean or peanut paste fillings are used in these rice cake rolls and they are sprinkled with sesame seeds on top. Notes express love, greeting and good wishes from the older ones to the younger ones. Also, the red colour is used extensively in this treat emphasizing on happiness, prosperity and good fortunes.
5. Huat Kueh (Prosperity Cake)
Huat Kueh or the Prosperity cake is a popular snack in Malaysia and Singapore and more so during the Chinese New Year Festival. Tapioca, coconut and rice flour – flattened round and small cakes – boiled with coconut milk and colored. The cheesecake colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple are the symbolic representation of the different forms of prosperity, health, happiness and success. The round shape of the cake signify completeness, the whole year through and in eating Huat Kueh it is believed to have a prosperous year ahead.
6. Tang Yuan (Sweet Rice Balls)
Tang Yuan is a sweet that is taken and consumed during many Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year. These are sticky rice dumplings prepared from glutinous rice flour and stuffed with sweet sesame paste, red bean paste or a savory salted duck yolk. Tang Yuan dessert represents family reunion and peace because the figure ‘8’ signifies coming together and candidacy. It is traditional to serve the dessert in sweet prepared soups or in syrups, to imply sweetness in the coming year.
7. Lotus Seed Paste Balls (Lai Wong Bao)
Lai Wong Bao also known as Lotus Seed Paste Balls is a sweet delight usually prepared during Chinese New Year celebration and enjoyed by the communities of Southeast Asia. These are sweet round and soft balls made from lotus seed paste with a skin of glutinous rice flour. These balls are then rolled in sesame seed thereby providing the required crunch and sesame flavor to the product. Lai Wong Bao is associated with happy, luck and prosperous new year as well as reunion and family gathering especially during festive seasons.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, feast, and exchange gifts with loved ones, marking the start of a new year with joy and unity. Among the many traditions that make this holiday special, *CNY goodies* like Kueh Bangkit, Kek Lapis, and Lekor are integral to the celebration. These delectable treats not only offer a taste of cultural heritage but also carry deep symbolic meaning. Nian Gao, pineapple tarts, Kueh Bangkit, and Huat Kueh are just a few examples of CNY goodies that warm the heart and bring families closer. Each of these festive delights symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and blessings for the year ahead. This Chinese New Year, sharing these delicious CNY goodies with your loved ones is a perfect way to celebrate the occasion and welcome a year filled with happiness and abundance.