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What are foods eaten on Chinese New Year?
H
appy Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and, for the year 2022 it falls on February 1st.
particular. Studies have also linked DHA deficiencies to serious cognitive problems. Low levels of DHA are correlated with a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease in later years. So, pick up a fish at the grocery store As a kid growing up in China, the red envelopes are one of for Chinese New Year. It may bring you wealth and help you remember the most exciting things about Chinese New Year. Families give their what you forgot to put on your grocery list. children red envelopes containing cash on Chinese New Year for those Another food often eaten to celebrate Chinese New Year is citrus unfamiliar with Chinese traditions. All you have to do is give a slight bow and wish the adults in your life “Happy New Year!” and watch the fruits. Specifically, eating or even displaying oranges, tangerines, and fund for your next trip to the candy store grow. pomelos is believed to bring good luck and fortune due to their pronunciation and writing. The Chinese pronunciation of orange and “sucNow that I am an adult with a job, the roles have changed. The receiver cess” is the same, “chéng,” so eating oranges may help you land that has become the giver. I no longer receive red envelopes on Chinese promotion you so deserve. If you are looking for a bit of luck, tangerine New Year, as my mother, unfortunately, informed me when I started (jú) has a similar pronunciation to “luck” (jí). They even share a similar working. As an adult, my favorite thing about the holiday is sharing deli- written Chinese character, 桔 for tangerine and 吉 for luck. Pomelo is a cious food with my friends and family. This year, in particular, I have the giant grapefruit. It carries the wish of continuous prosperity. Pomelo in privilege of sharing some of our traditions with you, the reader. Chinese (yòu) sounds similar to “to have” (yòu), and exactly like “again” (yòu), meaning you will have enough again and again with every new Several foods are almost a requirement to eat on Chinese New Year. year. They all have special meanings and are said to bring good fortune for the coming year. A must on Chinese New Year is fish. Fish has the same Citrus fruits, like orange, tangerine, and pomelo, are a good source pronunciation as “surplus” in Chinese (yú). Eating fish at the beginning of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known for its role in immune health. It is imof the year symbolizes the wish for prosperity and a surplus at the end perative to grow and repair body tissue, from healing wounds to mainof the year. Besides potentially giving you extra wealth by the end of taining healthy bones and skin. It is also an antioxidant that fights free the year, fish has many nutritional benefits. radicals in the body, which may aid in preventing or delaying certain cancers and heart disease and promoting healthy aging. Did you know that fish can better your brain health? Funny how the These are just some of the foods that are commonly eaten on Chianimals with the reputation of flawed memory can improve ours. You have probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish. Do- nese New Year. There are many more foods and traditions that go into cosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for your this memorable holiday. I am thankful that I can share a little piece of brain to function normally and efficiently. Brain and nervous system that with you. I hope you give these foods a try this Chinese New Year. tissues are partly fat, and research suggests that they prefer DHA in May 2022 bring you happiness, luck, wealth, and health! 38 | MOORE MONTHLY | FEBRUARY 2022
