Lunar New Year 2021: 18 Traditional Gifts And Food For Joy And Prosperity

The Lunar New Year begins this Friday, ushering in the Year of the Ox.

While large gatherings and travel are still discouraged in many parts of the globe at the moment due to the pandemic, this doesn't mean people can't celebrate the Chinese New Year in their own way and exchange gifts with family members and loved ones.

In celebration of Chinese New Year, here are 18 gifts and food that symbolize prosperity and happiness to welcome the new moon.

1. Tangerines

Tangerines are regarded as fruits that bring good fortune as in Cantonese, they sound the same as the word for "luck," according to South China Morning Post. Tangerines are usually served at the end of the meal when visiting relatives.

2. Longevity noodles

Typically served in the southern part of China, longevity noodles were traditionally served as one very long and thin strand and enjoyed with broth.

Kian Lam Kho, private chef and author of "Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees: Essential Techniques of Authentic Chinese Cooking," told Oprah Magazine of the dish, "Nowadays, when you serve longevity noodles, it's really just very long noodles. It's not a single strand."

3. Spring rolls

Spring rolls are considered a Chinese New Year favorite since they symbolize wealth due to their similarity in shape with gold bars, according to China Highlights. There is even a saying associated with eating spring rolls that translates to: "A ton of gold."

4. A lucky plant

Plants such as Chinese money plants are believed to bring good luck, which is why giving this type of plant is still very much alive in Chinese tradition.

5. Whole chicken

Even if it isn't Chinese New Year, serving up a whole chicken during celebrations is common around the world. During the Lunar New Year, however, chicken is seen as a symbol of unity and "the reunion of the whole family," Kho said.

6. An ox plush toy

Since 2021 is the Year of the Ox in the Chinese calendar, one might as well show solidarity by buying a plushie or any other merchandise that resembles an ox.

"The ox, in Chinese culture, is a hardworking zodiac sign. It usually signifies movements so, hopefully, the world will be less static than last year and get moving again in the second half of the year," Thierry Chow, a Hong Kong-based feng shui master, told CNN.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol symbolizes good health and longevity, according to Business Insider. One can never go wrong with it as long as one drinks responsibly.

8. Festive dinnerware set

Special dinnerware goes well with any occasion or celebration.

9. Jujube

Jujube, also called Chinese date, is often present during Lunar New Year as it symbolizes "good luck, wealth, fortune, gold, prosperity and fertility," along with grapes, plums, and kumquats, per China Highlights. Its color, red, is viewed as the color of prosperity and happiness, which is why some Chinese families always like to have it on their tables during occasions.

10. Sweet rice balls (Tangyuan)

Tangyuan is commonly served on the 15th and final day of the Chinese New Year celebration and is served with broth or deep-fried.

11. Rice cake (Nian Gao)

Nian gao, also called "new year cake" or "year cake," is made of glutinous rice flour and/or sweet glutinous rice flour. It can be either sweet or savory depending on the region.

12. Candy and sweets

Even if it isn't candy, giving out sweets on Chinese New Year symbolizes your wish for the other to have "a sweet life," Kho said.

13. Red clothing

Red has come to signify good luck and prosperity, so wearing this color on Chinese New Year is viewed as a way to drive away bad fortune, according to China Highlights.

14. Dumplings

According to Kho, dumplings "are supposed to look like the ingot, the gold and silver pieces used as money in ancient times. It represents being prosperous—you have all of this money you're eating."

15. A warm cup of tea

Tea has long been incorporated in Asian tradition, and oolong tea is a common gift given out during Chinese New Year, per Business Insider.

16. A book on Chinese horoscopes

Learn about various Chinese horoscopes and the meaning behind each sign to show solidarity with their tradition.

17. Braised shiitake mushrooms

For those who prefer not to eat meat, mushrooms are a good alternative as this dish is also common in Chinese households.

18. Oranges

Much like tangerines, oranges are considered symbols of good luck, which is why so many buy them when Lunar New Year approaches.