Jai
This vegetarian1 dish is eaten because it's "part of the Buddhist2 culture to cleanse3 yourself with vegetables," says Lum. It's also packed with good-luck foods, writes Gong, breaking it down by ingredient: sea moss4 for prosperity; lotus seeds for children/birth of sons; noodles for longevity5; lily buds to "send 100 years of harmonious6 union"; Chinese black mushrooms to "fulfill7 wishes from east to west"; and more. Try our recipe.
Long Leafy Greens and Long Beans
Gong writes that leafy greens, such as Chinese broccoli8, are "served whole to wish a long life for parents."
Whole Fish
The Chinese word for fish sounds like the word for abundance, says Lum. It's important that the fish is served with the head and tail intact, writes Gong, "to ensure a good start and finish and to avoid bad luck throughout the year."
Sweets
