Tangerines and Oranges
Displaying and eating these fruits is said to bring wealth and luck. According to the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, the tradition stems from the way the Chinese words for gold and orange sound alike, while the word for tangerine1 echoes luck. "It's good if they have leaves," adds Lum, "because leaves symbolize2 longevity3." But don't group them in fours, because, Dunlop says, this number is associated with death.
Long Noodles
If noodles are served, then "keep them as long as possible for long life," says Lum.
The Tray of Togetherness
Put out for visiting relatives to snack on, or given as a gift, the eight ("a traditionally symbolic
