Chinese New Year Traditions: Tikoy Symbolisms

On various occasions, Tutubi receives gifts from friends and officemates and the Chinese New Year, based on the lunar calendar, is no exception. He received at least two tikoys from his Chinese friends.



Why do the Chinese give away the traditional tikoy on Chinese New Year?

First, it's round to look like money hence means wealth

Second, it's made from sticky rice for luck to stick to you. It also pulls everything that is dear to you together

Third, the red-colored packaging is believed to drive away evil

The best way to prepare the tikoy it is to slice, steam for five minutes, dip in beaten egg yolk and pan fry with little oil.

Other symbolisms of the Chinese New Year according to Tutubi's Chinese friends:

Loud drums to drive away spirits

Birds are messengers of good news so the bigger the bird, the better the news thus you see the Peking duck or other birds on the menu.

The word lapu-lapu translates to profit that's why eating Lapu-lapu on New Year's day means profit every year

Shrimps: jumping, moving and they seem to be smiling when closely looked. Shrimps must also be part of the menu for happiness

Scallops: for one’s house to be filled with money since they are round

Shell fish of any sort brings good and robust health

Lotus for sweetness in life

Happy Chinese New Year!