The annual Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is a time for Chinese people to reunite and an important event to pray for good luck and happiness in the coming year. On this special occasion, fish is an indispensable delicacy that carries an auspicious meaning. It is especially important to choose what kind of fish to choose as a dish. And in the process of eating fish, there are also many exquisiteness and rules.
First of all, the head of the fish at the table is usually pointed at the most honored guest or the elder of the family as a sign of respect for them. This is because the person with the head of the fish facing is considered the most honorable person, and it is also a matter of etiquette for him or her to start eating the fish.
Secondly, there is a sequence when eating fish, under normal circumstances, if the person in the direction of the head of the fish does not move the chopsticks to eat the fish, others should not eat the fish first. Since the person with the head of the fish facing is considered the most honorable person, it is also a matter of etiquette for him or her to start eating the fish.
In addition, the way of eating fish is also particular. Don't flip the fish when eating it, because it doesn't mean good. After eating the above fish, the fish bones should be removed from the fish body, and then the fish meat, especially for people who often drive, this is conducive to avoiding the fish bones stuck in the throat.
Different parts of the fish also have different meanings. Fisheye is usually given to leaders or elders, meaning to look high; Fish belly to new friends, meaning to put your heart in your heart; The fishtail is given to a capable subordinate, which means that he is entrusted with a heavy responsibility; The fins are given to the younger generations, which means spreading their wings and flying high. No matter what part it is, it is a blessing to others.
In addition, the integrity of the fish is also important in some places. During the production process, the fish should be kept as intact as possible and not broken or mutilated, implying perfect wealth and good luck throughout the year.
Although most of the fish are very auspicious and have good meanings, there are four types of fish that are not considered auspicious symbols in traditional culture, so it is best not to serve them at the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner.
The first is hairtail. The body of the hairtail fish is flat and long, like a knife, and some places think that the hairtail fish is"Saury", feel that it comes with"The murder weapon"It means something bad. Moreover, the way the fish swim gives people a sense of instability, which is not in line with the harmonious and auspicious atmosphere pursued by the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner.
The second type is the yellow eel. The yellow eel is considered a symbol of bad luck in some local cultures. The eel's slender body gives people a cunning and elusive feeling, which is not quite in line with the auspicious and stable atmosphere pursued by the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. Moreover, the living environment of yellow eels is prone to carrying parasites and bacteria, and there are certain risks to human health.
The third type is eel. The eel has a similar meaning to the yellow eel and is also considered a symbol of cunning and elusiveness. In some places, it is believed that eating eel will betray relatives and friends, so it is also considered an unlucky food.
The fourth type is carp. The carp is usually a symbol of happiness and auspiciousness in Chinese culture, but there is a special type of carp – the grass carp, which has a fleshy protrusion on its head that is called"The head is like a rice brain"。In some places, it is believed that eating grass carp will make people stupid or stupid, so grass carp should not be eaten on Chinese New Year's Eve.
In general, eating fish at the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is particular. Choosing the right fish and following the right way to eat it will not only help to increase the joy of reunion and pray for good luck in the coming year, but also show respect for your elders and blessings to your family and friends. At the same time, it is also necessary to avoid serving inappropriate fish to the table, so as not to affect the atmosphere and the meaning of the prayer.