Tangerines and Oranges
Displaying and eating these fruits is said to bring wealth and luck. According to the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, the tradition stems from the way the Chinese words for gold and orange sound alike, while the word for tangerine1 echoes luck. It's good if they have leaves, adds Lum, because leaves symbolize2 longevity3. But don't group them in fours, because, Dunlop says, this number is associated with death.
Long Noodles
If noodles are served, then keep them as long as possible for long life, says Lum.
The Tray of Togetherness
Put out for visiting relatives to snack on, or given as a gift, the eight compartments5 of the tray are filled with things such as preserved kumquats for prosperity, coconut6 for togetherness, longans to bring many sons, and red melon seeds for happiness.
Nian Gao
Nian gao means year cake, but gao sounds the same as the word for tall or high, says Dunlop. Hence the cakes symbolize achieving new heights in the coming year. The steamed sweets are made of glutinous7 rice flour, brown sugar, and oil. Some versions have white sesame seeds, red dates, or nuts in them . If you want to try your hand at making nian gao, here's our recipe. Chowhounds also have some tips.
Pomelo
This large citrus fruit is popular, writes Gong, because it is thought to bring continuous prosperity and status. The tradition comes from the way the Cantonese phrase for pomelo sounds similar to the words for prosperity and status, explains Lum.
