The Lunar New Year is by far the most important holiday for Chinese families and a large part of what makes the holiday is the food. Most dishes and foods eaten during the Chinese New Year are culturally significant and eaten for unique reasons.
In many Chinese families, there are a few staple dishes that should always be on the table during New Year’s, whereas other dishes may vary.
Lunar New Year Staples:
Wontons and Dumplings - Before dumplings came about, wontons (hún dùn, 餛飩) were eaten because the word for wonton in Chinese carries the meaning of new beginnings. Phonetically, it also sounds like the term that describes a well-stocked grain bin, representing a wholesome new year and a good harvest.
Later on, wontons were made into the shape of a crescent moon, and became dumplings. The tradition of eating dumplings had already become popular throughout China during the Tang Dynasty.
