Recognised by more than 20% of the world’s population (statistic credit: chinesenewyear.net), the festivities start Saturday 25th January 2020, to celebrate the beginning of a New Year on the Chinese calendar. Known for having a wealth of rich traditions and cultural ritual, Jeremy gives us his rundown below on the absolute no no’s when it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year authentically:
What NOT to do on Chinese New Year by Jeremy Pang
– First one that sticks in my mind from my Mum, as a child, was “DON’T SHOWER”…. well, at least not on Chinese New Year’s Day. Apparently it washes off all your luck!
– Don’t clean your house (which is why we clean the day before, or deep clean just before CNY), as again – we will sweep away our luck.
– Chinese New Year is all about accruing good luck for the year ahead and this is why firecrackers and fireworks are set off at midnight, to ward off misfortune and bring in that good luck.
– Don’t give red packets unless you’re married! These red envelopes are packets of luck, usually filled with money… so if you’re single – you’re in a good place and should look forward to receiving lots of money on Chinese New Year and gaining wealth! As soon as you’re married, you have to then give red packets to all those younger than you who are single.
Jeremy always recommends having a fully stocked pantry for the celebrations which must include:
– Abundance of rice – for an abundance in life.
– Plenty of oil – to keep you going.
– Sweet things – to keep your life sweet.
– Mandarins and oranges – pronounced ”GUM” in Cantonese, which sounds like Gold are for Good Wealth.
– Endless noodles to represent long life.
The running theme of performing certain rituals for luck follows through onto the banquet table for Chinese New Year. Everything is about wealth, prosperity, good health, or abundance in life and for Jeremy, the below three recipes are an absolute must for the festive table and represent that running theme…
Chinese New Year Recipes by Jeremy Pang
Wonton Braised Noodles with Tobiko – aka the jelly fish dumplings
The long noodle feature of this dish represents long life and the wontons are in there for good wealth, they also look like money bags, or ‘gold ingots’ – olden day Chinese money.
Crispy tofu rolls with prawns (shrimp) and asparagus
These ‘rolls’ signify gold bars for the table and are a wish for good wealth by the host to all those sat at the table.
Sea bass with crushed soybeans and chilli sauce
The classic whole steamed Chinese fish dish, but served with a Jeremy Pang twist! Cooking a whole fish represents an abundance for life.
Full recipe details available by request.