Did You Know Some Lunar Cookies Are Shaped Like Ancient Coins symbolizing wealth and prosperity?
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration observed by many East and Southeast Asian communities around the world. It’s a time for family reunions, festive decorations, and, of course, delicious food. And among the many culinary traditions, cookies play a significant role in symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
A Sweet Symbolism
During Lunar New Year, cookies aren’t just sweet treats; they’re laden with symbolism. They often represent good luck, wealth, and happiness, and are shared with family and friends as a gesture of goodwill.
Here are some popular types of Lunar New Year cookies:
- Almond Cookies:
- These crumbly, buttery cookies are a staple during Lunar New Year. Their golden color symbolizes wealth, and the almond’s shape is sometimes associated with silver ingots.
- Peanut Cookies:
- Peanuts symbolize longevity, so peanut cookies are a popular choice for Lunar New Year celebrations. They’re often made with ground peanuts and have a nutty, rich flavor.
- Sesame Cookies:
- These cookies, often sprinkled with sesame seeds, represent abundance and prosperity. The numerous sesame seeds symbolize a plentiful harvest.
- Love Letters (Egg Rolls):
- These delicate, crispy cookies are rolled into thin cylinders and symbolize sweet messages of love and good wishes.
- Pineapple Tarts:
- Especially popular in Southeast Asia, pineapple tarts represent good fortune and prosperity. In Hokkien, “pineapple” (ong lai) sounds similar to “good fortune coming.”
- Coin Cookies:
- As mentioned in the fun fact, these cookies are often shaped to resmeble ancient Chinese coins, a direct symbol of wealth.
Celebrating with Sweetness
Lunar New Year celebrations are filled with joy and tradition. Families gather to share meals, exchange red envelopes (hongbao), and decorate their homes with auspicious symbols. Cookies are often served as part of the festive spread, offered to guests, and given as gifts.
The act of sharing these sweet treats reinforces bonds of kinship and friendship, and spreads good wishes for the year ahead.
A Taste of Tradition
Lunar New Year cookies are a delightful way to experience the rich cultural traditions of this festive holiday. Whether you’re baking them at home or enjoying them with loved ones, these sweet treats add a touch of sweetness and symbolism to the celebrations.
Oggs' Earth 
Leave a comment