Lunar New Year is just around the corner, like the start of the Gregorian calendar or our own Matariki, it’s a time for cultural traditions, gathering with family and friends and a time to wish for good fortune for the year ahead. The Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions around the world and as with many important dates, food is at the centre of its festivities, particularly the New Year Dinner which brings luck to the coming year.
Some of the most common, traditional foods you’ll find at a Lunar New Year Dinner include:
Fish - for an increase in prosperity
Dumplings - bringing wealth
Spring rolls - also bring wealth
Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan) - for family togetherness
Good Fortune Fruit - for fullness and wealth (again!)
Glutinous Rice Cake (Niangao) - for a higher income or promotion
Longevity Noodles - bringing happiness and longevity
Not only is the type of food symbolic but also how you eat it. Some traditions call for surplus food to be left, particularly fish. Leaving some fish at the end of the year speaks to saving something this year that can be built upon next year. While we understand the deep-rooted traditions with this, we also recognise that progress comes from thinking differently. We, therefore encourage that anything left in surplus as part of your New Year feast, is stored in the fridge and consumed the following day, after all, you still had something left at the end of the year of the Dragon!
Other ways you can avoid food waste this Lunar New Year are to plan your menu carefully, use what you already have and adapt to use food that’s in season. If you do have leftovers, be sure to send some home with your guests - surely the extra giving and generosity will aid in the luck and prosperity in the year of the Snake.
The Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao, is a 12-year cycle with an animal and its traits representing each year. The 29th of January marks the start of the Year of the Wood Snake! Known for their wisdom, charm, and mysterious aura, snakes are often associated with knowledge, transformation and resilience in Chinese astrology.
These animals are:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Each animal is also paired with one of the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water - hence this year being the wood snake.
Finding Your Zodiac Sign:
Wondering what your zodiac is? Check the chart below to find your animal sign.
Zodiac Sign | Chinese Name | Zodiac Years |
Rat | 鼠 (shǔ) | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 |
Ox | 牛 (niú) | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 |
Tiger | 虎 (hǔ) | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 |
Rabbit | 兔 (tù) | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 |
Dragon | 龙 (lóng) | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 |
Snake | 蛇 (shé) | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 |
Horse | 马 (mǎ) | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 |
Goat | 羊 (yáng) | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 |
Monkey | 猴 (hóu) | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 |
Rooster | 鸡 (jī) | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 |
Dog | 狗 (gǒu) | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 |
Pig | 猪 (zhū) | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 |
We’ve put together our predictions for you this year plus what foods we think you should rescue:
Snake:
It’s your year! You’ll receive lots of positive opportunities this year but make sure you remain cautious.
Snakes should take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people and forge lasting relationships.
Pay close attention to your health and avoid taking too many risks this year as there is a higher chance of injury.
You should try more dinner rescues this year, think sushi, pizza and pierogies.
Rat:
You will experience a very balanced year, with no major issues. Your hard work will pay off, bringing you some remarkable rewards.
This year, pay attention to your health while travelling. There are potential risks to you when travelling, especially regarding weather events. (👀 climate change?!)
We think sandwiches and salads will be your top rescues this year and of course, you’ll need a sweet treat for balance.
Ox:
The snake brings with it promises for you! You’ll see a lot of career, wealth and personal growth though you may not find love this year. Your health will remain stable this year.
We think that you should be more adventurous with your rescues this year and try some new eateries.
Tiger:
This year will be filled with some highs and lows. You may suffer from some interpersonal conflict but you might also see some financial growth. While you may face the occasional setback, you will be resilient., The snake says cakes are something you should rescue more often to help celebrate your wins.
Rabbit:
After a couple of challenging years, you’ll see positive change coming your way. While you will have both growth in your career and finances, you should keep an eye out for minor setbacks in your health and personal life.
Fruit and vegetables are something you should rescue this year to help you meal prep to stay ahead of life's challenges.
Dragon:
Last year was challenging for you but looking ahead, you’ll see some much-needed improvement. Your hard work will be rewarded this year but be sure to stay mindful of your health as you may experience setbacks.
Food high in vitamins is definitely something you should be rescuing this year. Think fruits, vegetables, salads, nuts and seeds
Horse:
You will have a steady and successful year. It’s a great time for you to look at advancements and new opportunities in your career. Wealth isn't a main focus for you this year though you will see some minor growth.
Croissants should be on your list to rescue this year.
Goat:
This year will be smooth sailing for you. While you may see some challenges in work and health, you will receive some prosperous financial opportunities, so be sure to seize them when they appear.
Be more adventurous with your rescues this year and try new eateries and mystery bags.
Monkey:
You will see some growth this year in your personal and professional life but there may be some ups and downs along the way. Embrace new opportunities this year and try to learn a new skill.
Breakfast foods should be on your rescue list this year, and if you ask us pastries are perfect for breakfast
Rooster:
In the year of the snake, you’ll make some amazing new connections and see improvement in your relationships. There will be an increase in leadership opportunities this year, so make sure you take these to showcase your talents and take on more responsibility.
Lunchtime rescues will be your go-to for you this year - think salads, sandwiches bagels and wraps
Dog:
This year will be a lot more stable for you. You will see some growth in your career and personal life. Finances will remain steady for you but make sure to keep a close eye and your and your family's health.
Fruit and vegetable boxes are a great choice for you to rescue in the year of the snake.
Pig:
The Snake might bring challenges for you but your hard work will pay off. Keep an eye on your finances this year as there may be some ups and downs. Be proactive in pursuing new career opportunities.
Pantry staples are something you should rescue more this year to help you stay ahead of life's challenges.
The Year of the Wood Snake promises wisdom, transformation, and growth. Celebrate with family and friends, and embrace the traditions of the season—enjoy delicious food and decorating with vibrant reds for good luck.
Wishing you a year full of happiness and success!
Information adapted from:
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