Food Symbolism

In China, foods are given different meanings, so that on certain occasion a kind of food can only be eaten by some specific individuals, of a kind of food must be eaten on specific occasion.

(1)    Long Noodles

Long noodles are the symbol of longevity. On the birthday they are preferred to show the wish for a long life.

(2)    Red Eggs

When a baby is born, the father will send hard boiled red eggs to friends and neighbours to announce that the baby is born safe and sound. An even number, usually six of eight, of Red Boiled Eggs with a black point dotted on one end will be delivered for a boy, and odd number, usually five or seven without black points for a grir.

(3)    Fish

Fish is the symbol of prosperity. It is usually served as the last course, head pointed to the guest of honor. Fish has the same pronunciation as the Chinese character“余”（Yu）, which means more than enough.

However, in the south where people live on fishing, fish can not be turned upside down on the diner table, because it suggests turning the fishing boat over.

(4)    Lobster and Chicken

Lobster is taken as the symbol of dragon, and Chicken is taken as the symbol of phoenix. Dragon and phoenix are put together to imply that the bridegroom and bridge will have a very new life. ON the wedding, lobster and chicken feet are always served together as the congratulation on the new couple.

(5) Birthday and Peach-like Bun

Peach-like Bun is the food made on the birthday for the elders in the country. In China peach is often called birthday peach（寿桃）. So the peach-like bun is the symbol of longevity. And it is often contributed to Buddha.

Peach-like bun is made in the same way as the usual bun, except it is shaped like a peach. After it is taken out it s dyed a little red on the top.

(6)    Dates, Chestnuts and Peanuts

These three kinds of food is the special food on the wedding. In the past Chinese had no idea of controlling the birth rate. The traditional way was to give birth earlier and have more sons and daughters. On the wedding day dates and chestnuts are eaten together by the bride, meaning having a baby earlier, because date have the same pronunciation as “早”(early) and chestnuts are pronounced the same as “立子”(have a son). Peanuts are pronounced as “花生”, which is interpreted as not just having son of daughter, but having both.

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