Don't Push Your Luck, Celebrate the Chinese New Year With Meaningful Foods
Some foods can bring you luck, according to Chinese tradition and superstition.
Feb. 3, 2011 — -- According to Chinese tradition and, some say, superstition, certain foods can bring you luck, fortune and even fertility when eaten around the Chinese New Year. The widely celebrated holiday is so popular that some families go as far as decorating their homes with cherry blossoms and creating centerpieces of red luck money to bring fortunes and luck in the new year.
If you're superstitious or simply just curious about these special foods, check out cookbook writer and stir-fry extraordinaire Grace Young's list of each food and its meaning.
Shrimp is thought to bring happiness and laughter.
Click here to try Grace Young's Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Eggs are closely associated with fertility.
Mushrooms and mushroom dishes are connected to growing fortunes.
LettuceThe everyday ingredient is thought to bring prosperity and wealth.
Chicken symbolizes a proper beginning and a proper end.
Clams and scallops are thought to bring prosperity.
ScallionsGet smart in 2011: Scallions are thought to bring intelligence.
NoodlesThe deliciously fun food symbolizes longevity.
LobsterA delicacy in many cultures, the seafood signifies the auspicious symbol of the dragon.
FishNot only is it healthy but is also associated with abundance and surplus.
Chinese New Year Foods
CilantroThe flavorful herb signifies compassion.
PorkThe meat is present in many popular Chinese dishes and is thought to bring bounty and family unity.
Bring your family together with Grace Young's Stir-Fried Cucumber and Pork with Golden Garlic
5 Spice TofuEveryone wants happiness in the new year and this delightful ingredient is just the way to get it.
OystersOysters will bring good business.
Hard liquorHave a drink and toast to longevity. Hard liquor is thought to bring long life.
Click here to return to the "Good Morning America Recipes" website.