Written by: LA REVISTA BINACIONAL, with the help of JACINTA WONG (San Diego Chinese Historical Museum)
Celebrating and appreciating Chinese New Year, The Year of the Snake in 2025 is associated with the Wood element, making it the Wood Snake. In Chinese astrology, Wood represents growth, vitality, and flexibility, which complements the Snake’s traits of intelligence and intuition. Those born in the Wood Snake year are believed to be creative, compassionate, and insightful. It is also known as the Spring Festival, is a wonderful way to embrace Chinese culture and traditions. Chinese New Year changes every year because it is based on the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar (which most of the world uses). The lunar calendar is tied to the cycles of the Moon, so the start of Chinese New Year typically falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which happens around December 21. Here are several ideas to celebrate this important holiday:
Decorate with Traditional Symbols
Red Decorations: Hang red lanterns, couplets (poetry or sayings), and paper cuttings on doors and windows. Red symbolizes good fortune, joy, and prosperity.
Chinese Zodiac Animals: Incorporate symbols of the Chinese zodiac animal for the year (e.g., dragons, tigers, or rabbits, depending on the year). The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac form a repeating cycle used in the traditional Chinese calendar. Each year is associated with one of the animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals are believed to influence the personality and fortune of people born in their corresponding year. The cycle repeats every 12 years and is also tied to the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), further shaping the characteristics and luck of each year.
Prepare and Enjoy Traditional Foods
Dumplings (Jiaozi): Symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Longevity Noodles: Represent a long life.
Fish: (Usually a full steamed fish with the head and tail for auspiciousness) Represents abundance and is often served at the New Year’s Eve dinner.
Rice Cake (Nian Gao): A sticky dessert that symbolizes progress or higher achievements for the new year.
Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan): The pronunciation and round shape of tangyuan are associated with reunion and being together. That’s why they are favored by the Chinese during the New Year celebrations. These are made of glutinous rice flour and a sweet filling such as black sesame paste.
Mandarin Oranges: A symbol of luck and wealth, often exchanged as gifts.
Host a Chinese New Year Gathering
Invite friends and family over to celebrate a meal together with traditional food and games.
Play games like Mahjong, Chinese checker or Go. Participate in traditional paper-cutting activities or Chinese calligraphy.
Give Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Red envelopes filled with money are given to children and unmarried people as a blessing for the new year.
Even a symbolic amount can be appreciated. The amount of money is relative to your relationship to the recipient — the closer your relationship is, the more money is expected. It’s a tradition to put crisp, new bills inside a Chinese New Year red envelope. Avoid anything with the number 4 as it is considered bad luck.
Watch a Dragon or Lion Dance
If there are celebrations nearby, attending a lion or dragon dance performance is a great way to experience the energetic and colorful displays, believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
In Chinese tradition, fireworks and firecrackers are used to ward off bad spirits and bring in the new year with a bang. If fireworks are not available in your area, watching firework shows online or on TV is an alternative.
Wear New Clothes
People often wear new clothes, especially in red, to symbolize a fresh start and good fortune.
Learn Chinese New Year Greetings
Xīnnián Kuàilè (新年快乐): Happy New Year!
Gōngxǐ Fācái (恭喜发财): Wishing you happiness and prosperity!
Watch a New Year’s Gala
The CCTV New Year’s Gala is a massive televised event watched by millions in China. It includes singing, dancing, comedy skits, and traditional performances.
Engage in Community Celebrations
Many cities hold public celebrations, especially in areas with large Chinese communities. Check if there are local parades, festivals, or exhibits to attend.
By participating in these traditions, even on a small scale, you can honor and appreciate the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year.
Here’s a classic Chinese recipe for Dumplings (Jiaozi), a traditional dish often enjoyed during Chinese New Year to symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Chinese Dumplings (Jiaozi) Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dumpling Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup water
Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
1 lb ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian alternatives like tofu)
2 cups napa cabbage, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if pan-frying)
Water (for boiling)
Dipping Sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Chili oil (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir until it comes together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is resting, combine the ground meat, napa cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice wine (optional), salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
Roll Out the Dumpling Wrappers:
Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a ball about the size of a large marble.
Flatten each ball and use a rolling pin to roll out thin, round wrappers (about 3 inches in diameter).
Fill the Dumplings:
Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper.
Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold it in half, and press the edges tightly to seal, creating a pleated edge if desired. Chinese dumplings can be made to look like Chinese silver ingots (which are not bars, but boat-shaped, oval, and turned up at the two ends). Legend has it that the more dumplings you eat during the New Year celebrations, the more money you can make in the New Year.
Cook the Dumplings:
Option 1: Boiling Dumplings
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Gently add the dumplings in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
Stir gently to prevent sticking. When the dumplings float, cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Option 2: Pan-Frying Dumplings (Potstickers)
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Arrange the dumplings in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
Add about ¼ cup of water to the pan, cover, and steam the dumplings for 5-6 minutes until the filling is cooked through. Remove the lid and cook until the bottoms are crispy again.
Serve with Dipping Sauce:
Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional chili oil in a small bowl.
Serve the dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips:
You can freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for later use.
For variety, you can experiment with different fillings, such as shrimp and chive, or mushroom and tofu for a vegetarian option.
These homemade dumplings are a delicious way to celebrate Chinese New Year, bringing good luck and joy to your table!
