Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice (December 21), so it does not have a specific date. This year, the new moon falls on February 10, 2024; from this date the new lunar year begins under the sign of the wooden green dragon, and the year ends on January 28, 2025. And if we take the chronology according to the Chinese calendar, then the year 4721 will come.
How to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The dragon is a majestic animal, so it must be greeted noisily with a table rich in treats. The main colors of the Dragon are gold and red, so it is worth adding, for example, sequins, bright shiny decorations and red to the festive outfit; elegant fabrics - velvet or satin - are also welcome.
What to cook for Chinese New Year.
Dumplings (jiaozi).
Chinese New Year is considered a family holiday; on this day, it is customary for the whole family to make dumplings for the festive table. Dumplings symbolize wealth, success and good luck. Dumplings should have different fillings, including a surprise filling; whoever gets such a dumpling will bring happiness for the year.
Mandarins.
As in Russia, mandarins are considered an integral part of the New Year's holiday table, and they symbolize wealth. In China, there is a tradition that when visiting, you need to exchange mandarins, thus the hosts and guests wish each other financial well-being.
Longevity noodles.
A mandatory attribute of the festive table is traditional Chinese noodles, which symbolize longevity - the longer the noodles, the longer life will be. Therefore, to celebrate the New Year, they try to prepare the dough themselves in order to make the noodles as long as possible.
There are no restrictions on the sauce and dressing; you can add anything from the Chinese favorite shiitake mushrooms to seafood delicacies.
