Welcome back to A Foodie’s Chinese New Year Experience. This is currently my fourth post since the beginning of the blog and today is the second day of the lunar calendar, otherwise known as the Birthday of the Dog.
Due to the second day of Chinese new year being considered as the Birthday of the Dog, the pet Schnauzer was especially well cared for all day. The Huang family also brought dog food to feed to strays while they were outside.
The second day of Chinese New Year is also the day during which it is traditional to visit the wife’s side of the family. On this day, married daughters visit their parents’ homes with their husbands. Specific traditions vary from place-to-place in China, but daughters and sons-in-law will typically eat lunch in their parents’ homes.
While the Huangs are out visiting relatives, I will once again exploring the city and purchasing the ingredients needed to make longevity noodles, which among other dishes, will be consumed during tonight’s evening meal. Longevity noodles are traditionally served at Chinese New Year’s feasts. a popular Chinese belief states long noodles are associated with a long and prosperous life, so cutting the noodles while you are consuming them is said to be bad luck.
During the second day of the Lunar Year, it is believed Tsai Shen, the God of Wealth, leaves for heaven after being offered sacrifices. On the Eve of the lunar New Year, it is customary to obtain an image of Tsai Shen and place it on the east side of the living room.
People will burn the picture during the second day of Chinese New Year and see the deity off, wishing for a lucky and prosperous year.
In honour of Tsai Shen, people will eat dumplings which resemble the shape of a Ancient Chinese ingot and are commonly believed to bring wealth.
Chinese New Year Food Customs 