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Celebrating Chinese New Year 2011: Ushering in the Year of the Rabbit

Chinese New Year, a vibrant and deeply significant celebration, marks the arrival of the new lunar year. In 2011, this festive period commenced on February 3rd and extended for 15 joyous days, culminating with the full moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the date of Chinese New Year shifts annually, aligning with the new moon of the new year and concluding on the full moon, symbolizing a complete cycle of renewal and hope.

Across the globe, millions will greet each other with traditional well-wishes: Gong Hay Fat Choy! (in Cantonese) or Gong Xi Fa Cai! (in Mandarin). Both phrases convey the heartfelt sentiment of wishing prosperity and good fortune. This particular year, 2011, heralds the benevolent Year of the Rabbit, a zodiac sign known for its gentle nature and auspicious influence.

The Year of the Rabbit: A Look at 2011’s Horoscopic Predictions

Following the intense and often turbulent Year of the Tiger, the arrival of the Rabbit brings a much-needed breath of calm and tranquility. According to insights from The Holiday Spot, the Year of the Rabbit is poised to be a period of peace, diplomacy, and introspection. It encourages us to mend, rest, and reflect after the challenges of the preceding year. This year’s energy fosters a preference for gentle persuasion over confrontation, emphasizing harmony in international relations and personal interactions alike.

A placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get some rest after all the battles of the previous year.
Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty.
A time to watch out that we do not become too indulgent. The influence of the Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty.
Law and order will be lax; rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. No one seems very inclined to bother with these unpleasant realities. They are busy enjoying themselves, entertaining others or simply taking it easy. The scene is quiet and calm, even deteriorating to the point of somnolence. We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible.
Money can be made without too much labor. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances.

This astrological outlook suggests a period where comfort and ease are readily available, but it also carries a gentle warning against excessive indulgence. The Rabbit’s influence encourages a laid-back approach, yet it’s essential to maintain a sense of purpose and duty. It’s a year where diplomacy and refinement are favored, offering a chance for collective healing and progress through peaceful means. Financial gains may come with less struggle, allowing for a more luxurious and unhurried lifestyle, fostering an environment where happiness feels effortlessly attainable.

Culinary Delights: Lucky Foods for Chinese New Year

Food plays an indispensable role in Chinese New Year celebrations, with each dish carrying profound symbolic meaning, promising luck, prosperity, and health for the coming year. Preparing and sharing these auspicious foods is a central tradition, believed to influence one’s fortunes. Here, we delve into the superstitions surrounding these significant dishes, ensuring you serve only the most fortune-bringing meals!

Understanding Chinese New Year Food Superstitions

The culinary traditions of Chinese New Year are steeped in fascinating superstitions, passed down through generations. These beliefs guide what to serve and, crucially, what to avoid, especially if you wish to secure your job and invite wealth in the Year of the Rabbit. The shapes, colors, and even names of ingredients are chosen meticulously to invite specific blessings.

Insights from My Family: Mom’s Wisdom on Festive Foods

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing my parents about the time-honored food superstitions of Chinese New Year. My mom, a treasure trove of traditional wisdom, shared these essential culinary customs:

• Noodles are a quintessential dish, always served long and uncut, symbolizing a long life. Cutting them before serving is believed to shorten one’s lifespan, so preserve those lengthy strands!
• A whole chicken, complete with its head and feet, is simply steamed to represent wholeness, good health, and family unity. Similarly, a whole steamed fish, with its head and tail intact, signifies abundance and a surplus for the year ahead. The Chinese word for fish, “yu,” is a homophone for “every year our family has something leftover and we always have enough,” beautifully illustrating the linguistic efficiency and symbolic depth.
• Crispy egg rolls, once fried to a beautiful golden brown, are thought to resemble long gold bars, thus symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Handmade dumplings, whether pan-fried or boiled, mirror the shape of ancient Chinese gold ingots, making them potent symbols of wealth. My mom’s family even used to hide a gold coin in one dumpling, believing that the lucky person who found it would enjoy immense wealth and prosperity – likely alongside a hefty dental bill!
• For unwavering luck, tangerines are prominently displayed, especially large, plump ones with leaves still attached. These signify abundance and good fortune. Another crucial item is “Nien Goh,” a steamed rice cake. As Mom explains, Nien Goh symbolizes “every year you reach a higher level of life,” encouraging continuous improvement and success.
• However, one food you absolutely must avoid serving is squid, known as “Yow Yu.” In ancient times, “yow” meant to roll up one’s blanket, a grim signal for workers who were fired and had to pack their belongings to return home. Serving squid today symbolically represents losing one’s job in the coming year. So, if a colleague or subordinate unexpectedly offers you a dish of succulent squid on Chinese New Year, proceed with extreme caution!

Insights from My Family: Dad’s Story of the Kitchen God

My dad, a simple man from the Ling Po province near Shanghai, offered a fascinating glimpse into another cherished New Year tradition:

“In our kitchen, we would hang a portrait of the Kitchen God. This deity watches over the family throughout the year, observing their actions and behavior. On Chinese New Year, he ascends to the heavens to report back to the other Gods of prosperity, fortune, and health. To ensure a favorable report, my family would prepare an elaborate banquet exclusively for the Kitchen God before the year’s end. We’d display plates of noodles, dumplings, fish, candies, cakes, and meats directly in front of his portrait. Essentially, we bribed the Kitchen God to say nice things about us.”

My dad’s pragmatic approach to divine relations always brings a smile! Whether you choose to prepare a magnificent Chinese feast to welcome the Year of the Rabbit for your loved ones or to subtly influence the Kitchen God’s report, here is an extensive compilation of recipes perfect for the holiday celebration.

Must-Try Chinese New Year Recipes

Embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year with these delicious and symbolically rich recipes. Each dish is carefully chosen to bring good fortune, health, and happiness into your home for the coming year.

Recipes from Steamy Kitchen: Your Guide to a Prosperous Feast

My Mother’s Famous Chinese Egg Rolls or Vegetable Spring Rolls with video: These crispy delights, golden and elongated, beautifully resemble bars of gold, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Chinese Boiled Pork Dumplings: Shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, these dumplings are a powerful symbol of wealth and are a must-have for a prosperous New Year.
Pan Fried Shrimp & Pork Potstickers: Another delightful dish mirroring traditional currency, signifying wealth and good fortune.
Fresh Pear and Shrimp Stir Fry: Shrimp is a beloved ingredient for its association with happiness and joy, ensuring a cheerful year ahead.
Shrimp Fried Rice: A comforting staple, also featuring shrimp for happiness and boundless joy.
Hainanese Chicken Rice: For Chinese New Year, always serve chicken whole (with head and feet), then carve it at the table. A whole chicken or duck represents completeness and good health; pre-carving is believed to metaphorically “cut” away your health.
Chinese Broccoli Beef Noodles: The long strands of noodles symbolize longevity. Remember, never cut them!
100 Flower Blossoms Dish: Featuring broccoli and cauliflower, this dish symbolizes blossoming flowers and a flourishing, prosperous new year.
Long Life Fertility Noodles and Happy Shrimp: Combining symbols for extended life and joy, this dish is packed with auspicious meanings.
Chinese Lettuce Cups: Lettuce, or ‘sang choy’ in Cantonese, sounds like “rising fortune,” promising an increase in wealth.
Stir Fried Beef with Nectarines: Nectarines symbolize happiness and good health.
Chinese Whole Steamed Fish: A whole fish represents abundance, signifying that you will have more than enough for the coming year.
Chinese Tea Eggs: These beautifully marbled eggs are enjoyed for prosperity and good luck.
Find even more auspicious recipes at Steamy Kitchen’s Chinese New Year Recipe collection.

Curated Recipes from Around the Web for Your Chinese New Year Feast

To further enrich your Chinese New Year menu, I’ve handpicked a selection of fantastic recipes from other celebrated culinary sites. Should you have any personal favorites, please share them in the comments!

Steamed Chicken in Lotus Leaf – RasaMalaysia: A delicate and flavorful dish.
Stir Fried Pine Nuts with Corn and Peas – RasaMalaysia: This dish’s name in Chinese means “full of gold and jade,” symbolizing wealth.
Stir Fried Broccoli and Scallop – RasaMalaysia: Represents “richness and abundance.”
Baked BBQ Pork Buns – RasaMalaysia: A popular savory pastry.
Soy Sauce Chicken – RasaMalaysia: Remember to serve chicken whole and carve at the table to symbolize good health.
Chinese Almond Cookies – Simply Recipes: A beautiful and traditional sweet treat.
Fortune Cookie Recipe – Martha Stewart: Craft your own messages of good fortune.
Fortune Cookie Recipe video – Cookbook Maniac: Excellent tips for perfect fortune cookies.
Chocolate Fortune Cookies – Martha Stewart: A delightful twist on a classic.
Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight – Epicurious: A cleansing and healthful vegetarian dish.
Orange Peking Duck – recipe from Ken Hom, author of Ken Hom’s Top 100 Stir Fry Recipes.
Sweet & Sour Pork – recipe from Grace Young, author Breath of a Wok.
Buddha’s Delight with Tofu & Brocolli – Cooking Light.
Peanut Sesame Noodles – Appetite for China.
Water Chestnut Cake with Ginger – Appetite for China.
Dragon Well Tea Shrimp – Appetite for China.
Dan Dan Mian – Appetite for China.
Scallion Pancakes – Tigers and Strawberries: A perfect, savory side.
Chinese White Cut Chicken – Sunday Nite Dinner: Serve whole and carve at the table for good health.
Tea Smoked Duck – Cooking Channel.
Nian Gao Cake – Asian Grandmother’s Cookbook.
Shanghai Style Nian Gao – Donna Cooks: Signifies “rising higher each year” and is a staple for many, including my dad’s hometown.
Stir Fried Shanghai Nian Gao – mmm-yoso.
Lion’s Head Meatballs – NY Times: Lions symbolize strength, and the large round meatballs represent family togetherness.
Fuscshia Dunlop’s Braised Pork Belly – Cookbook Maniac.
Year of the Rabbit Cookies – Lily’s Wai Sek Hong: Festive cookies with rabbit cutouts.
Chinese Walnut Cookies – Lily’s Wai Sek Hong.
Paper Lined Cup Sponge Cake – Lily’s Wai Sek Hong.
Dragon Cookies – Lily’s Wai Sek Hong: A creative and fun recipe to make with kids.
Almond Cookie Crescents – Lily’s Wai Sek Hong.
Double Sided Gold Noodles – Lily’s Wai Sek Hong: A childhood favorite for many.
Steamed Pork Bun Recipe + how to fold Chinese buns video – Christine’s Recipes.
Braised Chinese Mushrooms – Christine’s Recipes: An easy and essential dish, whole Chinese mushrooms are always present on CNY tables.
Egg Custard Pastry – Christine’s Recipes: A brilliant version with a “cheater crust”!
Stir Fried Glutinous Rice – Christine’s Recipes.
Stir Fried Broccoli with Fish Fillet – Christine’s Recipes.
Butter Cookies – Christine’s Recipes.
Baked Coconut Cake – Christine’s Recipes.
Radish Cake – Christine’s Recipes.

Foods to Avoid During Chinese New Year for Good Luck

Just as important as knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid. These foods carry inauspicious meanings and are best left off the New Year’s menu:

Squid (Yow Yu): As mentioned earlier, this symbolizes being fired or losing one’s job.
Tofu: The white color of tofu is associated with death and mourning in Chinese culture, making it unsuitable for a festive celebration focused on new beginnings.

The Art of Giving: Chinese New Year Gifts and Etiquette

The act of giving and graciously receiving gifts is a cherished tradition during Chinese New Year, symbolizing respect, good wishes, and continuity. Growing up in Hong Kong, I fondly remember my parents visiting relatives and friends, presenting thoughtfully prepared baskets of fruit, special dishes, or fine wine, while all the children eagerly awaited their “hong bow” (red envelopes). When invited to celebrate Chinese New Year at someone’s home, selecting the right gift is crucial to convey auspicious sentiments.

Auspicious Gifts and Their Meanings

Red Envelopes (Hong Bao or Lai See): These iconic red pouches, filled with money, are primarily given to children and unmarried individuals. The dollar amount should always be an even number, as happiness is believed to come in pairs, while odd numbers are reserved for funerals. It’s customary to use crisp, new bills from the bank, symbolizing a fresh start. The amount isn’t as important as the gesture, though my kids would beg to differ when it comes to their grandparents’ generosity!
Wine or Spirits: A bottle of good wine or spirits is a sophisticated and well-received gift, representing good taste and celebration.
Fresh Fruit: Specific fruits like kumquats, oranges, pomelo, and mandarin oranges are highly symbolic. Oranges and kumquats (especially with leaves still attached) represent happiness, good fortune, and good health.
Blossoming Flowers: Gifting blooming flowers, particularly plum blossoms and chrysanthemums, is highly auspicious. Both flowers symbolize prosperity, growth, and new beginnings.
Food and Sweets: Offerings of pastries, cookies, candies, and chocolates are always welcome. These symbolize a sweet and rich year ahead.
Round Candy Tray (Tray of Togetherness): A round tray filled with an assortment of sweets, nuts, and seeds is a traditional offering. The round shape signifies completeness and reunion, while the varied treats promise a sweet and abundant life.

Beyond the Feast: Essential Chinese New Year Traditions

Beyond the delicious foods and meaningful gifts, numerous other traditions and superstitions are integral to welcoming the new year with abundant good fortune. These practices are meticulously observed to cleanse the old, invite the new, and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

House Cleaning and Preparation for Prosperity

Thorough House Cleaning: Before the first day of Chinese New Year, a thorough cleaning of the house is essential. This ritual signifies sweeping away bad luck and old misfortunes to make room for new blessings. However, it’s crucial to complete all cleaning before February 3rd (New Year’s Day), as cleaning on this day is believed to sweep away any good fortune that has just arrived.
Opening Windows: On New Year’s Eve, opening all windows is a symbolic gesture to expel the old year’s troubles and negativity, making way for the fresh energy of the new year.

Dressing for Prosperity: New Clothes and Auspicious Colors

Wearing New Clothes: Donning new clothes on Chinese New Year is a long-standing tradition in my family, symbolizing having more than enough for the year to come. The aim is to look as fresh and new as possible.
Avoiding Hair Washing: Paradoxically, washing your hair on New Year’s Day is considered unlucky, as it’s believed to wash away good luck.
Auspicious Colors: Bright red clothing is highly favored, symbolizing happiness, joy, and good fortune. Gold is also an excellent choice, representing prosperity and wealth.

Blooming Decorations: Flowers and Plants for New Growth

Decorating with Blooming Flowers: Filling your home with vibrant blooming flowers and plants is a beautiful tradition that symbolizes new growth, prosperity, and a blossoming new year. Plum blossoms and chrysanthemums are particularly auspicious for prosperity, while pussy willows, bamboo, and pine represent longevity.

Maintaining Harmony: Setting the Tone for the Year

No Fighting or Complaining: Your temperament on Chinese New Year is believed to set the tone for the entire year. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid arguments, complaining, swearing, and to banish all negative thoughts to ensure a harmonious year.

Symbolic Rituals for Protection and Good Fortune

Firecrackers: Lighting firecrackers is a boisterous tradition meant to scare off evil spirits and bad luck, clearing the way for good fortune.
Color Red: The pervasive use of bright, vivid red decorations and attire is not only festive but also serves to scare away bad spirits and demons. Red symbolizes virtue, joy, and happiness, permeating every aspect of the celebration.
Dragon Dance: The spectacular Dragon Dance is a vibrant performance believed to usher in the New Year, bringing immense good luck and driving away malevolent forces.

Taboos and Superstitions for Avoiding Bad Luck

Avoiding the Number “Four”: In Chinese culture, the pronunciation of the number “four” is similar to the word for “death,” making it an inauspicious number to avoid.

Educating the Next Generation: Chinese New Year Books for Kids

Sharing the rich traditions of Chinese New Year with children is a wonderful way to connect them with culture and history. These books, many of which are cherished in our own home, offer engaging stories and activities to make learning about the holiday fun and accessible.

Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes by Nina Simonds ($14.28)

This book is a gem because it includes recipes! Nina Simonds is a highly respected cookbook author specializing in Chinese cuisine, making her insights invaluable. ~Jaden

This extraordinary collection is brimming with delicious recipes, hands-on family activities, and traditional tales perfect for reading aloud. It will inspire families everywhere to recreate the magic of Chinese holidays in their own homes. Imagine feasting on golden New Year’s dumplings and tasty moon cakes, building a miniature boat for the Dragon Boat Festival, or crafting a kite at Qing Ming. You can also share captivating stories like that of the greedy Kitchen God or the valiant warrior Hou Yi. This stunning compilation by bestselling cookbook author Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz of the Children’s Museum, Boston, is the ideal gift for families who have celebrated Chinese holidays for generations, as well as those just beginning new traditions.

Chinese Feasts & Festivals: A Cookbook by S.C. Moey ($18.21)

This beautifully hand-illustrated book provides authentic Chinese recipes for a variety of festivals, including the Dragon Boat Festival, Mooncake Festival, and, of course, Chinese New Year. It’s a gorgeous book and absolutely worth every penny. ~Jaden

China’s rich culinary tradition is profoundly inspired by a calendar year filled with joyous occasions for eating, drinking, and making merry. Food, fittingly, plays a leading role in everything from festivals and reunions to weddings and anniversaries. The combination of flavors and powerful symbols—representing wealth, happiness, luck, and prosperity—involved in many of these dishes creates a spiritual celebration and an earthly pleasure. In Chinese Feasts & Festivals, author S.C. Moey skillfully assembles fascinating facts and charming anecdotes alongside a collection of festival specialties that every Chinese food lover will delight in reading and enjoying. Full of delicate, subtly-rendered illustrations, this exquisite yet functional cookbook will inspire you to cook up a magnificent feast, no matter the occasion.

China: DK Eyewitness Books by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore ($10.87)

You’ll discover far more than just Chinese New Year traditions in this beautifully photographed book. It comes highly recommended and is excellent for all ages. -Jaden

China delves into the present-day culture of the world’s most populous country, offering a comprehensive look at its history, geography, and traditions. This book is a vibrant educational tool, perfect for inquisitive minds eager to explore diverse cultures. It includes a clip-art CD and a wall poster, enhancing the learning experience and making it a fantastic resource for school projects or family discovery.

Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift the Flap Book by Joan Holub ($6.99)

It’s Chinese New Year, and there’s a multitude of exciting activities to enjoy! From shopping for fresh flowers at the outdoor market and savoring New Year’s dinner with the entire family, to receiving auspicious red envelopes from Grandma and Grandpa, and—best of all—witnessing the spectacular Chinese New Year’s parade! This festive new lift-the-flap book introduces the customs of Chinese New Year to even the youngest readers, making cultural learning interactive and fun. Beautifully illustrated by Benrei Huang, it’s a vibrant journey into the heart of the celebration.

Celebrating Chinese New Year by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith ($6.95)
Review from School Library Journal: Grade 1-5 Hoyt-Goldsmith and Migdale have done a stellar job of bringing readers into a holiday celebration. Beginning with the pre-New Year preparations, children follow 10-year-old Ryan Leong and his family as they celebrate the Chinese New Year in San Francisco. Through big, bright photographs and a clear, easy-to-follow text, readers see the preparations and festivities and learn about the history and traditions. The author includes the symbolic meanings of the foods eaten and other customs, an explanation of the Chinese Zodiac, and an in-depth look at the Lion Dance. The book is more detailed than Kate Waters’s Lion Dancer (Scholastic, 1990) and June Behrens’s Gung Hay Fat Choy (Children’s, 1982). The color photographs make it more inviting than Tricia Brown’s Chinese New Year (Holt, 1995). Hoyt-Goldsmith’s excellent book makes the Chinese New Year celebration accessible and understandable to all children. (c) Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Dancing Dragon by Marcia K. Vaughan

Review from School Library Journal: Kindergarten-Grade 2-In rhymed couplets, a Chinese-American child describes the excitement, preparation, and festivities of the Chinese New Year, culminating in a parade that includes a magnificent dragon carried aloft on sticks. The format of the book is foldout cardboard; for best effect, after reading it aloud, stand it on a table to show the eight-page panorama of this fine, fierce creature and the appreciative throng of celebrators in the streets of Chinatown. The watercolor-and-gouache illustrations are full of bright colors and action, reflecting the culture and the festivities. Combine this title with Kate Waters and Madeline Slovenz-Low’s Lion Dancer (Scholastic, 1990), which is more detailed and full of vibrant photographs. Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn

Amazon.com review: It’s Chinese New Year in Chinatown, and young Sam has four dollars of New Year money burning a hole in his pocket. As he and his mother are milling through the crowded streets—alive with firecrackers, lion dances, and shoppers—Sam accidentally steps on the foot of a homeless man who is buried in a pile of red paper. Flustered, Sam hurries back to his mother, and is soon distracted by the char siu bao and other sweets he might buy with his gift money. When he sees fish-tail cookies that remind him of toes, he remembers the old man again, and Sam starts to think of his “lucky money” in a new light. Karen Chinn’s winning story is perfectly complemented by the vibrant watercolors of Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, creators of the award-winning Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree and A House by the River. Voted “Pick of the Lists” by American Bookseller, Sam and the Lucky Money succeeds at telling a simple story, while allowing young readers to explore the sights and sounds of an American urban Chinatown during the Chinese New Year. (Ages 4 to 8)

Further Resources for Your Chinese New Year Celebration

To deepen your understanding and enhance your celebration of Chinese New Year, explore these valuable resources covering customs, crafts, and more:

Customs and Traditions of Chinese New Year – Chinatown Connection: A comprehensive guide to the essential practices.
Celebration of the Chinese New Year – Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco: Insights from a leading cultural institution.
Fun Chinese New Year crafts for kids – Enchanted Learning: Creative activities to engage younger family members.
A Guide to Chinese New Year – About.com: A detailed overview of the holiday.
Free Chinese wallpapers, info on zodiac calendar – The Holiday Spot: Enhance your festive ambiance and learn about your zodiac sign.
Chinese New Year teacher resources – Teacher Planet: Educational materials for classrooms.
Chinese New Year e-Cards from Blue Mountain: Send festive greetings to friends and family.
Dragon Dance videos – YouTube: Experience the energy and excitement of traditional dragon dances.