Welcome back to A Foodie’s Chinese New Year Experience blog. Today is the first day in the Lunar Calendar and is also called the Birthday of the Chicken. According to legend, the goddess Nüwa created the world. She created certain animals on different days, hence each day is considered the birthday of the corresponding animal. As I type this update, the five members of the Huang family are readying to visit the eldest members of their extended family, the Mother’s recently widowed Aunt. On the first day of the festival, it is traditional to visit the most senior members of the extended family, strengthening family ties.
Another popular tradition present in Shanghai is the tradition of welcoming guests with tea and sweet treats, such as sugared fruits which are supposed to sweeten one’s upcoming year. These are served on an octagonal tray and are arranged into eight units, as the number eight symbolises luck. At times, an arrangement of nine units can be found, the number represents wealth, good fortune and family unity.
The Huangs are planing of bringing a small gift of oranges, tangerines and mandarins to present to their hosts, as the round fruit is a symbol of wealth and good fortune.
The First Day of Chinese New Year symbolises a new start in one’s life, refreshing hopes for prosperity, wealth and happiness.
I will not be accompanying the Huangs on their family luncheon. Instead I have decided to tour the city and sample the delights of the First Day of Chinese New Year in Shanghai.
Chinese New Year Food Customs 