The growing popularity of eastern food cultures has seen traditional Chinese dumplings travel far and wide and today they are a familiar favourite for many in the western world. These traditional dumplings have become a symbol of the rich appeal and variety of Chinese food. The distinct piquant flavours are offset by the aromatic broth and this exchange brings with it something distinguished yet playful that is also firmly grounded in the evolution of Chinese Street Food.
In fact dumplings are regarded as far more than a street food in China. In Northern parts the locals eat dumplings with family and friends on New Year’s Eve and this has become synonymous with the turning of the year. Traditional dumplings also serve as a party food. This is a tradition that dates back 2000 years to the Han Dynasty. There is another fascinating cultural element associated with traditional dumplings that many are not aware of. As part of the strong social focus within Chinese food culture, dumplings are associated with the exchange of good wishes and aspirations of prosperity for the future. For our ancient Chinese ancestors, different ingredients held different symbolic meanings. The different meanings historically associated with the different ingredients, and the symbolic meanings associated with the written characters of the language, together provided a rich and meaningful framework for gift giving and social interactions.
Traditional dumplings can be filled with Pork, Beef, Lamb, Seafood and paired with traditional Chinese vegetable like Chinese Chives, Chinese Leaf, Chinese Celery. Here Asia Market has selected 7 of the most common and tasty dumpling filler ingredients and illustrates their unique symbolic meaning.
Celery & Cabbage
Celery ( qin cai, 芹菜 ) and cabbage ( bai cai, 白菜 ) within the dumpling is said to reflect upon the wish for an endless stream of riches and prosperity for the recipient. Celery is associated with diligence in Chinese culture and so reflects the blessings often bestowed upon diligent practice.
Chive
Chives ( xiao cong, 小葱 ) are an important ingredient in the making of authentic Chinese dumplings. The most Chinese characters of chives in Chinese means everlasting. And so this is reflected in the wish for everlasting health, harmony and happiness.
Mushroom
Mushrooms ( mo gu, 蘑菇 ) are shaped like an upward arrow and so are presented as a metaphor for breaking though barriers. It is thought that the ancient Chinese expressed their hopes to younger generations through metaphors like this to embody their wishes for success and happiness.
Beef
The symbol of the bull in Chinese culture bares a close relation to the old Celtic symbol of the bull, where the qualities of strength and power are honoured. Diligence is also associated with this symbol and in Chinese culture this is seen as a crucial way of passing knowledge and wisdom on through the generations.
Lamb
The homophonic meaning of lamb or 洋 ( yang ) means numerous and wide. It is often used as a symbol of exchange to represent good wishes for someone’s career.
Peanut
Peanuts have another name in Chinese that translates as longevity fruit ( chang sheng guo,长生果). It is said to convey good tidings to parents and older relatives or friends. Usually, peanut is mixed with some sugar to make a sweet dumpling. This is most commonly seen in southern China where the preference tends to veer toward sweeter ingredients than in other regions.
Carrot & Turnip Filler
Carrots and turnips in China are regarded as more than a vegetable and are used as part of traditional Chinese medicine practice. Carrot is regarded as a balancing food for your Qi.
We welcome the Chinese New Year on 16th of February 2018! To celebrate, Asia Market is delighted to present dumpling lovers with a very special dumpling day including a special lunch time culture talkon dumplings.
Please check the link below for more details: https://www.asiamarket.ie/blog/asia-market-upcoming-events/dumpling-day-asia-market-2018.html
