As the spring breeze warms up, we usher in the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival, a beautiful moment that symbolizes reunion and light. On this day, both the wanderers and the young and old in the family celebrate this special holiday in various ways. The Lantern Festival is not only a festival, but also contains a profound cultural background and traditional significance behind it, such as eating tangyuan symbolizes the reunion of every family, and viewing lanterns means the brightness and beauty of life.
On such a day full of tradition and joy, in addition to the regular celebrations, such as enjoying traditional foods such as tangyuan and lantern festival, which symbolize sweetness and reunion, there are also some special food choices that deserve our attention. Especially in the Year of the Dragon, a year of strength and hope, in addition to the common meats such as pork, there are four special foods that are believed to bring us more auspiciousness and blessings.
Why, then, should we consider reducing pork intake on the Lantern Festival table in favor of these more auspicious foods when economic conditions allow? This is not only because of the benefits they bring to our physical health, but more importantly, the cultural significance and meaning behind these foods can add infinite luck and blessings to our Year of the Dragon. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, if you are not short of money, eat less pork and eat more of these 4 things, the Year of the Dragon will be auspicious
Kumquat: Symbolizes wealth and good luck.
With its bright golden yellow color and sweet taste, kumquat is seen as a symbol of wealth and good luck. During the Lantern Festival, placing or eating kumquat is believed to bring "kumquat fullness" to the family, i.e., an abundance of wealth and good fortune. Especially in the Year of the Dragon, a year of strength, success and good fortune, kumquat is an indispensable mascot, heralding good fortune and good fortune in the new year.
Apple: Represents peace and health.
Apple is homophonic with "peace" in Chinese, so it is seen as a symbol of peace and health. In a festival like the Lantern Festival, which values reunion and blessings, apples have become an indispensable auspicious food. Eating apples or placing apples in the home means that every household can enjoy a peaceful and joyful life, good health, and no diseases. This meaning of the apple is especially precious in the Year of the Dragon, and I wish every family more happiness and tranquility in the new year.
Red dates: It means sweet life and prosperous career.
In traditional Chinese culture, jujube is often used to symbolize the sweetness of life and the development of career. The red color of jujube represents festivity and auspiciousness, while its sweet taste implies happiness and fulfillment in life. On the day of the Lantern Festival, the consumption of red dates or as part of the dish is believed to bring sweetness and a good harvest to the family, and significant progress can be made in career and studies. In the Year of the Dragon, this meaning of red dates is even more prominent, and I hope that everyone can harvest a lot and have happy events in the new year.
Walnut: Symbolizes wisdom and longevity.
Walnuts, with their unique appearance and nutritional value, are regarded as a symbol of wisdom and longevity. During the Lantern Festival, walnuts are eaten or given as gifts, implying that the recipient can have a healthy body and a smart mind. This meaning of walnuts is especially important in the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes new beginnings and infinite possibilities, and wisdom and health will be important assets to meet challenges and seize opportunities.
With the arrival of the Lantern Festival, we not only ushered in a night of reunion and joy, but also ushered in a year of the dragon full of infinite possibilities and hopes. On such a special occasion, in addition to following traditional celebrations, such as enjoying tangyuan and lantern festivals, we also have the opportunity to bring more good luck and blessings to ourselves and our family by choosing and consuming specific auspicious foods. In particular, kumquats, apples, dates and walnuts are not only delicious, but also contain profound cultural meanings and auspicious wishes, which are of great significance for ushering in the Year of the Dragon, which is full of challenges and opportunities.
On the day of the Lantern Festival, eating more of these four auspicious foods can not only help us attract wealth and good luck, maintain peace and health, enjoy the sweetness of life and career development, enhance wisdom and prolong life, but more importantly, they can add a special blessing and anticipation to our life in the Year of the Dragon.
Whether it's incorporating these auspicious foods into your holiday meal or giving them as holiday gifts to friends and family, it's a beautiful way to spread blessings and good luck. Let's bring more health and good luck to ourselves and our families with these special food pairings, and welcome a Year of the Dragon full of hope and joy together.