Fun food traditions and beliefs

Tangerines and oranges are given as gifts at Chinese New Year; tangerines to bring the receiver prosperity and oranges for good fortune. The Chinese character for tangerine is similar to that for gold, and the symbol for orange is similar to good luck.
In Chinese culture, noodle length symbolizes the length of the eater’s life. Therefore, noodles should never be cut before serving them, or the diner’s life will be symbolically cut short.
A whole chicken, head and all, is served simply steamed to represent good health.
A whole steamed fish, eyeballs and all, is served for abundance. The Chinese word for fish is, “yu,” which sounds similar to the Chinese word for abundance. Whole fish is often served at banquets and weddings.
Crispy egg rolls, once fried to a golden brown, resemble long gold bars.
Handmade dumplings, either pan fried or boiled, look like ancient Chinese gold ingots. These can be served to wish prosperity for guests.