Food is a very important part of Chinese culture. So sometimes, these foods are not just food, they also symbolize some special meaning. This symbolic meaning may come from the shape or name of the food. Next, I will introduce several symbolic Chinese foods.
Fish
Fish is used as a symbol of wealth in China. This is because, in Chinese, its homophonic and surplus are similar. The Chinese believe that having a surplus every year means having enough wealth. So whenever the New Year is coming, there must be fish on the table. Like a turkey, it is an indispensable part of the festival.
The longevity noodles
The longevity noodles is also known as the birthday noodles. In China, people eat a bowl of longevity noodles when they have a birthday. This is related to its cooking method. Generally, the longevity noodles is elongated with one noodle and cannot be broken. The noodle is longer, symbolizes the longer the person lives. It represents a good wish for the future.
Chicken
In Chinese culture, chicken forms part of the symbolism of the dragon and phoenix. At a Chinese wedding, chicken's feet (sometimes referred to as phoenix feet) are often served with dragon foods such as lobster. Chicken is also popular at Chinese New Year, symbolizing a good marriage and the coming together of families.
Cake With Round Shape
In Chinese culture, the circle symbolizes completeness and reunion. The Chinese attach great importance to family unity, so the circle represents their good expectations for the family. So in many festivals people will eat round foods, such as moon cakes, yuanxiao. At the same time, the cake that you eat on your birthday must also be round.