Chinese people from all corners of the world celebrate the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival according to the Lunar Calendar. Therefore, the Lunar New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are as important as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in western countries.
The reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's eve is usually a large and lavish meal, flavorful and delicious, because it is not only a dinner but also a family reunion. The whole family sits around the table and enjoys food and chatting. It is indeed a moment of happiness cherished by every Chinese.
This year’s Lunar New Year falls on 3 February. I and my family had our reunion dinner last night. It was a time of feasting and fellowshipping and catching up with one another on their life happenings. We had it in my home instead of in restaurants as what most families are doing these days. For us home is family and we can enjoy each others company much better and in a more authentic way.
In my family, we have this very special dish called the Yusheng (also spelt Yu Sheng) meaning "raw fish". It is a Chinese New Year dish, essentially a salad dish made of thin slices of raw fish and various spices, mixed with tossing actions by diners. A play on Chinese homonyms links the ingredients and tossing actions to prosperity and longevity, all adding to the good wishes for the New Year. In addition, we prepared about 10 dishes for the reunion dinner, both hot and cold. We also have some very unique family-made dishes which no restaurant serves. Furthermore, my 94 year old father-in-law would very much prefer to keep the traditional way of celebrating. They prefer to share this meal with their grandsons and granddaughters at home and enjoy the family atmosphere.
Reunion dinner is the most important event as Chinese people prepares to start a brand new year. For us, we appreciate each other’s unique ways and treasure the moments we spend together. But wherever you are, whatever people you join for this festival, I wish you a prosperous and happy Chinese New Year that is fill with abundance, joy, peace and good health.
GOT PURPOSE !
photos from here and here
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