Celebrate Lunar New Year with culinary delights and a DIY paper fire horse creation. East and Southeast Asians worldwide are preparing to observe the Lunar New Year festivities, starting on February 17 and spanning 15 days.
In the Chinese zodiac, each year corresponds to an element, and as we enter the Year of the Fire Horse, it signifies a period for significant life changes, characterized by bold actions, personal development, and a fast-paced lifestyle. This occurrence only repeats once every 60 years, making it a rare and special event.
To commemorate the Year of the Fire Horse, author Angela Hui shares her affection for the Lunar New Year traditions, emphasizing the cherished moments spent with loved ones and offering a delectable recipe for you to try at home. Before you embark on the culinary journey, why not engage in a creative activity by crafting your own paper fire horse through the art of Chinese paper folding, provided by Tesco? Simply print the template and follow the instructions in the accompanying video.
Lunar New Year holds a significant place in many households, often referred to as “Asian Christmas,” signifying the most important holiday in the cultural calendar. It serves as a time for family gatherings, paying respects to ancestors, and welcoming good luck.
For many, including myself, the highlight of this season is the opportunity to cook alongside family members. Cooking serves as a form of communication and bonding, transcending words as we collaborate in the kitchen. The act of preparing meals together brings a sense of comfort and connection, fostering a shared rhythm that speaks volumes without uttering a word.
Food plays a pivotal role in shaping our Lunar New Year celebrations. Chinese tradition dictates serving symbolic dishes that symbolize auspicious hopes for the upcoming year. Engrossed in planning the festive menu, my mother and I eagerly exchange recipe ideas, photos, and voice messages. “A whole steamed fish is essential,” my mother insists, emphasizing the wish for surplus and abundance, synonymous with prosperity throughout the year.
Engaging in a lively discussion, we deliberate over various dishes, settling on a selection that embodies prosperity, luck, and completeness. The process of planning and preparing these symbolic meals becomes a cherished ritual, symbolizing our hopes and wishes for the year ahead.
Below, I share my recipe for steamed fish, a traditional Lunar New Year delicacy that you can recreate at home with ingredients readily available at Tesco.
Celebrate the festive season with this delightful dish, complemented by white jasmine rice and greens, embodying the spirit of togetherness and prosperity. While the Year of the Fire Horse signifies a time of change and growth, it also serves as a reminder to cherish moments with loved ones, bid farewell to the past, and welcome a year filled with abundance and joy.