農曆新年：傳統和象徵主義的烹飪旅程

農曆新年是一個慶祝，團結和放縱的時期，食物在慶祝活動中起著核心作用。在這個吉祥時期準備的每道菜都具有像徵意義

Chinese New Year is a time of great celebration, togetherness, and indulgence, and food naturally plays a pivotal role in the festivities. Each dish prepared during this auspicious period carries a symbolic meaning, reflecting hopes for greater prosperity, happiness, health, and good fortune in the coming year. As such, families across China and the world come together to create and enjoy these culinary delights.

農曆新年是一個慶祝，團結和放縱的時期，食物自然在慶祝活動中起著關鍵作用。在這個吉祥時期準備的每道菜都具有像徵意義，反映了來年對更大的繁榮，幸福，健康和好運的希望。因此，中國和世界各地的家庭共同創造和享受這些美食。

One of the most iconic dishes is dumplings (jiaozi), especially in northern China. Shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, dumplings symbolise greater wealth and prosperity. Families often gather to prepare them on New Year's Eve, filling them with minced meat, vegetables, and occasionally a hidden coin, which is said to bring luck to the person who finds it.

最具標誌性的菜餚之一是餃子（二野），尤其是在中國北部。餃子的形狀像古代中國金玉米夾，象徵著更大的財富和繁榮。家庭經常聚集在除夕做準備，並在他們填充肉，蔬菜和偶爾隱藏的硬幣，據說這給找到它的人帶來了運氣。

Another popular delicacy is fish (yu), which is always served whole and represents abundance, as the word for fish in Chinese sounds like "surplus." It is customary to leave some fish uneaten, signifying the hope for excess wealth and resources in the year ahead.

另一個受歡迎的美味佳餚是魚（YU），它總是為整體提供，代表著豐富的，因為中文中的魚詞聽起來像是“多餘的”。通常，將一些未食用的魚留給未來一年的財富和資源的希望。

Rice cakes (nian gao) are a sweet treat made from glutinous rice flour. The name "nian gao" sounds like "higher year," symbolising growth and success. These sticky cakes are often steamed or fried and can be sweet or savory, depending on regional preferences.

米蛋糕（Nian Gao）是一種由粘性米粉製成的甜食。 “ Nian Gao”這個名字聽起來像“上年度”，象徵著成長和成功。這些粘性蛋糕通常會蒸或炸，可以根據區域喜好而甜或鹹味。

In southern China, spring rolls are a favorite. These golden, crispy rolls symbolise wealth, as their cylindrical shape resembles gold bars. Filled with a mix of vegetables, pork, or shrimp, they are enjoyed during family gatherings and served to guests.

在中國南部，春捲是最喜歡的。這些金色的脆皮卷象徵著財富，因為它們的圓柱形形狀類似於金條。在家庭聚會期間，它們充滿了蔬菜，豬肉或蝦的混合物，並為客人服務。

Tangyuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, are a highlight of the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. These round, chewy balls filled with sesame, peanut, or red bean paste represent unity and family togetherness.

坦育（Tangyuan）或甜麩質米球是燈籠節的亮點，標誌著農曆新年慶祝活動的結束。這些充滿芝麻，花生或紅豆糊的圓形，耐嚼的球代表了團結和家庭。

Longevity noodles (chang shou mian) are another staple, symbolising long life and health. These unbroken, extra-long noodles are stir-fried or served in broth and enjoyed without cutting, as doing so is believed to shorten one’s lifespan.

長壽麵（Chang Shou Mian）是另一個主食，象徵著長壽和健康。這些不間斷的，超長的麵條在肉湯中被炒或送入肉湯中，而不切割，因為這樣做可以縮短一個人的壽命。

Other regional specialties include sweet sesame or peanut brittle, turnip cakes (luo bo gao), and fa gao, a steamed sponge cake whose name sounds like "wealth cake."

其他區域特色菜包括甜芝麻或花生脆性，蘿蔔蛋糕（Luo bo Gao）和Fa Gao，這是一種蒸的海綿蛋糕，其名字聽起來像“財富蛋糕”。

Each delicacy reflects the values and aspirations of Chinese culture, creating a feast not only for the palate but also for the soul, as families welcome the New Year with hope and joy.

每種美味都反映了中國文化的價值觀和願望，不僅為味覺，而且為靈魂創造了盛宴，因為家庭充滿希望和喜悅歡迎新年。