农历新年：传统和象征主义的烹饪旅程

农历新年是一个庆祝，团结和放纵的时期，食物在庆祝活动中起着核心作用。在这个吉祥时期准备的每道菜都具有象征意义

Chinese New Year is a time of great celebration, togetherness, and indulgence, and food naturally plays a pivotal role in the festivities. Each dish prepared during this auspicious period carries a symbolic meaning, reflecting hopes for greater prosperity, happiness, health, and good fortune in the coming year. As such, families across China and the world come together to create and enjoy these culinary delights.

农历新年是一个庆祝，团结和放纵的时期，食物自然在庆祝活动中起着关键作用。在这个吉祥时期准备的每道菜都具有象征意义，反映了来年对更大的繁荣，幸福，健康和好运的希望。因此，中国和世界各地的家庭共同创造和享受这些美食。

One of the most iconic dishes is dumplings (jiaozi), especially in northern China. Shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, dumplings symbolise greater wealth and prosperity. Families often gather to prepare them on New Year's Eve, filling them with minced meat, vegetables, and occasionally a hidden coin, which is said to bring luck to the person who finds it.

最具标志性的菜肴之一是饺子（二野），尤其是在中国北部。饺子的形状像古代中国金玉米夹，象征着更大的财富和繁荣。家庭经常聚集在除夕做准备，并在他们填充肉，蔬菜和偶尔隐藏的硬币，据说这给找到它的人带来了运气。

Another popular delicacy is fish (yu), which is always served whole and represents abundance, as the word for fish in Chinese sounds like "surplus." It is customary to leave some fish uneaten, signifying the hope for excess wealth and resources in the year ahead.

另一个受欢迎的美味佳肴是鱼（YU），它总是为整体提供，代表着丰富的，因为中文中的鱼词听起来像是“多余的”。通常，将一些未食用的鱼留给未来一年的财富和资源的希望。

Rice cakes (nian gao) are a sweet treat made from glutinous rice flour. The name "nian gao" sounds like "higher year," symbolising growth and success. These sticky cakes are often steamed or fried and can be sweet or savory, depending on regional preferences.

米蛋糕（Nian Gao）是一种由粘性米粉制成的甜食。 “ Nian Gao”这个名字听起来像“上年度”，象征着成长和成功。这些粘性蛋糕通常会蒸或炸，可以根据区域喜好而甜或咸味。

In southern China, spring rolls are a favorite. These golden, crispy rolls symbolise wealth, as their cylindrical shape resembles gold bars. Filled with a mix of vegetables, pork, or shrimp, they are enjoyed during family gatherings and served to guests.

在中国南部，春卷是最喜欢的。这些金色的脆皮卷象征着财富，因为它们的圆柱形形状类似于金条。在家庭聚会期间，它们充满了蔬菜，猪肉或虾的混合物，并为客人服务。

Tangyuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, are a highlight of the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. These round, chewy balls filled with sesame, peanut, or red bean paste represent unity and family togetherness.

坦育（Tangyuan）或甜麸质米球是灯笼节的亮点，标志着农历新年庆祝活动的结束。这些充满芝麻，花生或红豆糊的圆形，耐嚼的球代表了团结和家庭。

Longevity noodles (chang shou mian) are another staple, symbolising long life and health. These unbroken, extra-long noodles are stir-fried or served in broth and enjoyed without cutting, as doing so is believed to shorten one’s lifespan.

长寿面（Chang Shou Mian）是另一个主食，象征着长寿和健康。这些不间断的，超长的面条在肉汤中被炒或送入肉汤中，而不切割，因为这样做可以缩短一个人的寿命。

Other regional specialties include sweet sesame or peanut brittle, turnip cakes (luo bo gao), and fa gao, a steamed sponge cake whose name sounds like "wealth cake."

其他区域特色菜包括甜芝麻或花生脆性，萝卜蛋糕（Luo bo Gao）和Fa Gao，这是一种蒸的海绵蛋糕，其名字听起来像“财富蛋糕”。

Each delicacy reflects the values and aspirations of Chinese culture, creating a feast not only for the palate but also for the soul, as families welcome the New Year with hope and joy.

每种美味都反映了中国文化的价值观和愿望，不仅为味觉，而且为灵魂创造了盛宴，因为家庭充满希望和喜悦欢迎新年。