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CNY Flashback: A Marvellous Thought
I would say food is synonymous to Chinese New Year. Prior to the big day, a lot of food would be prepared and stored; and on the eve, there would be a big spread of it for dinner. The eve is described to be a time of gratitude and family togetherness- gratitude because both gods and ancestors are thanked for their blessing and protection; and togetherness, because children who have left their hometowns would return to have New Year's Eve Dinner with their families. This custom is called surrounding the hearth since in ancient time, dinner is eaten around the family hearth. Children and adult will have dinner together and it will only begin when all the family members are present. I read that in Taiwan, a table setting is placed for those who are enable to come home for dinner to symbolize their presence. That, I think, is a marvellous thought!
I would say food is synonymous to Chinese New Year. Prior to the big day, a lot of food would be prepared and stored; and on the eve, there would be a big spread of it for dinner. The eve is described to be a time of gratitude and family togetherness- gratitude because both gods and ancestors are thanked for their blessing and protection; and togetherness, because children who have left their hometowns would return to have New Year's Eve Dinner with their families. This custom is called surrounding the hearth since in ancient time, dinner is eaten around the family hearth. Children and adult will have dinner together and it will only begin when all the family members are present. I read that in Taiwan, a table setting is placed for those who are enable to come home for dinner to symbolize their presence. That, I think, is a marvellous thought!
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