Famed Symbols and Beliefs in Chinese Dishes

One simple question could also lead to a series of explorations and amusing discoveries -- a scenario most commonly associated with the experiences of Marco Polo and Charles Darwin, who brought answers to some of life's mysteries. In China, however, no scientific explanation is needed to qualify some trivial theories. In fact, this old-fashioned belief still affects the lives of many Chinese individuals up to this very day. Call it ridiculous or even dumbfounded, but this culture has truly served as an inspiration even in other parts of the world. Besides, it also adds spice to life, while a lot of foreigners still marvel at some of its eccentricities, making China a good magnet for tourist discoveries.

At the event of the Chinese New Year, some citizens also identify their fate by way of consulting the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac calendar. But apart from this, their culture also believes in celebrating the Spring Festival with a usual serving of what they believe the "lucky food". Some symbols are fairly hard to grasp, but for chicken, noodles, spring rolls, and clams, the answers may all be found through their mere appearances. For instance, a serving of a whole chicken suggests togetherness, while the noodles suggest longer life. In the case of spring rolls and clams, both indicate wealth because of their distinct shapes, in which the spring rolls resemble a gold bar, while the clam, a bouillon. Lettuce, orange, and pomelo are also said to bring fortune and success, though fish and rice cakes hold a more substantial symbol on the table. The fish, which indicates abundance, is also served with its tail and head still intact as trademarks of a pleasant beginning and a good ending for the New Year. Meanwhile, the sweet flavors of rice cakes could mean a sweet, gratifying life, while their layers suggest a rising abundance and their round shape, family reunion.