My experience with Chinese New Year

by Nazlina
(Penang)

What I remember of the CNY during my childhood was getting peanuts, mandarin oranges and ang pow from the Chinese neighbors.

As I got older and left home to study at the boarding school, long CNY break was so welcomed because I could go home. On the night of the Chinese New Year eve, fireworks and crackers would be burned almost all night. So if you live in Penang be prepared for a night of sleeplessness especially if you live in the are where Chinese community is the majority.

Celebrations in Malaysia is abundant with food and Chinese New Year also has its own special dishes.

Each one is symbolic in the sense that by having these special food, the household will be more prosperous and happy for the remaining of the year.

A case in point is the pineapple tart. Pineapple, is a special fruit for the Chinese. Its Chinese name literally means "prosperity beckoning".

Therefore you will always see pineapples being on offer at the Chinese altar during prayers. Also, a pair of pineapple-shaped lanterns are normally hung at the doorway to attract more wealth and luck. You might have also noticed the symbol
of pineapples at the prayer boxes by the roadside or at the corner of Chinese homes.

Besides its golden color, this fruit has perfect symmetry and beauty. The taste is also very delicious and when it is cooked to make into jam, the resulting taste of crumbly pineapple tarts are to die for.

You can see the recipe of how to make this popular Malaysian pastry at this link: pineapple tart.

Another dish is yee sang. It is a seafood dish, with colorful vegetables. All ingredients were prepared raw and arranged beautifully on a plate. The tradition calls for everyone at the round table to toss the ingredients
together. It is a must have dish for the grand dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year.

Yee sang sounds a bit like Yúshēng (余升) meaning an increase in abundance.

There are many more food items which are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity during Chinese New Year. If you have the chance to be invited to celebration this special occasion, by all means, do not miss it and ask around your host the meaning of all special dishes being offered.